Evaluation of the effectiveness of different puncture points for second cannula in double puncture arthrocentesis of temporomandibular joint

Ultrasound-Guided Single Puncture Technique to Simultaneously Reach the Upper and Lower Temporomandibular Joint Compartments for Arthrocentesis or Injections Purposes: A Technical Note

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis is a widely described and effective technique that promotes lysis and lavage of TMJ compartments, improving pain and mandibular range of motion. Mostly, this technique has been used to reach the upper TMJ compartment, besides effusion may be present also in lower compartment, that, in the absence of disc perforation, may also need to be assessed. Here, we propose an adaptation of arthrocentesis technique aiming to access both upper and lower compartments of the TMJ with a single needle puncture and guided by ultrasound real-time images. The technique was initially established in fresh cadavers and later replicated in 2 patients. Technique modification proved to be efficient and reproducible, reducing the number of perforations and, consequently, possible adverse events. The proposed technique can be applied to arthrocentesis and/or intra-articular injections through the combination of two previously validated techniques, to improve its safety and efficacy.

Efficacy of Arthrocentesis and Anterior Repositioning Splints in Treatment of Internal Derangement of TMJ: A Prospective Clinical Study

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of double puncture arthrocentesis and anterior repositioning splints in the treatment of internal derangement of temporomandibular joint. 35 patients with mean age of 36.6 years ± 10.2 years diagnosed with unilateral TMD who fell into Wilkes stage 2 and disc displacement with reduction with intermittent locking described by RDC/TMD were treated with Nitzan's double puncture arthrocentesis and were given a anterior repositioning hard splint. The parameters following parameters were assessed at intervals of 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months: pain, maximum inter-incisal mouth opening, Joint noise/click. Statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvements were seen at all recorded intervals in all observed parameters. Simultaneous arthrocentesis and anterior repositioning splint therapy is effective in alleviating pain and improving mouth opening without discomfort in patients with unilateral painful TMD showing disc displacement with reduction with intermittent locking.

Effectiveness of double-puncture temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis with viscosupplementation in different categories of severity - a prospective study

This 3-year prospective study evaluated the efficacy of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis with viscosupplementation in different severity stages based on the Dimitroulis classification (categories 2-4 were included). TMJ arthrocentesis was performed under local anaesthesia, and the protocol consisted of a double-puncture technique with lavage of ≥150 cc Ringer Lactate plus viscosupplementation. Incobotulinum toxin A was administered 10-15 days preoperatively in patients with concomitant masticatory myalgia. The primary outcome was TMJ pain, assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-10), and the secondary outcomes were the maximum mouth opening (MMO, mm) and myalgia degree (0-3). All outcomes were assessed on the intervention day (T0) and after the procedure (T1) (minimum 1 month and then 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and every year since). A total of 108 patients were enrolled (mean age of 43.1 ± 18.9 years); 86 (80%) were women and 22 (20%) were men. Preoperative pain was 4.02 ± 3.12 (mean ± SD), MMO was 38.10 ± 9.56 (mean ± SD) and myalgia degree was 1.80 ± 1.18 (mean ± SD). After an average of 215.4 days (31-1253 days), a statistically significant improvement of pain (P < 0.0001), MMO (P = 0.005) and myalgia degree (P < 0.0001) was observed. The overall successful outcome of TMJ arthrocentesis with viscosupplementation was 76%. The authors observed increased arthrocentesis effectiveness and success rate with viscosupplementation in Dimitroulis category 2 (88.6%) compared to 3-4 (71.4%). An association was found between arthrocentesis with viscosupplementation failure and painful myalgia (ρ = 0.477; P < 0.0001). Thirteen patients (12%) underwent a second TMJ intervention after finalising the present trial. With a low complication rate, TMJ arthrocentesis with viscosupplementation led to an overall benefit for all the included patients. This study reinforces the important role of minimally invasive TMJ arthrocentesis as a first treatment option, with better results in the early stages compared to more severe stages.

Long term oral health related quality of life after TMJ arthrocentesis with hyaluronic acid. A retrospective cohort study

The purpose of the study was to assess the long-term oral health-related quality of life (oQoL) in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement (ID) after TMJ arthrocentesis plus hyaluronic acid (HA). Patients were analysed at different follow-up times using an analytical observational design. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) score was evaluated according to age, sex, disc position, presence of degenerative joint disease (DJD), joint pain, maximum mouth opening and follow-up time. A total of 60 participants were enrolled, 88% female, with a mean age of 38 years (SD = 13.48). In an average follow-up of 25.02 months (SD = 5.32), the OHIP-14 total score decreased 8.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -11.21 to -6.11) after the intervention (Cohen's d = 1.22; 95% CI = 0.81 to 1.64). All OHIP-14 domain scores decreased (p < 0.05) except for the Functional limitation domain (p = 0.378). The oQoL after the intervention worsened in female patients (p = 0.039) and with a higher level of pain at baseline (p = 0.002). Self-perceived QoL improvement should be considered stable long term after temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis plus HA, regardless of concurrence with DJD or ID subtype. QoL should be used as clinical assessment measure of ID patients, with special attention to those with higher levels of pain.