The use of arthrocentesis for the treatment of osteoarthritic temporomandibular joints

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the efficacy of arthrocentesis in restoring the functional capacity of osteoarthritic temporomandibular joints (TMJ).

Patients and methods: This study involved 36 patients (29 females, 7 males; age range, 16 to 54 years, mean, 37.36 +/- 14.60 years) presenting with 38 dysfunctional joints that had not responded to conservative treatment. The postarthrocentesis status (follow-up period 6 to 62 months, mean 20.7 +/- 20.5 months) of the TMJs was determined by patient self-evaluation using visual analog scales and clinical examination.

Results: Of the 38 TMJs treated with arthrocentesis, 26 joints reacted favorably to the treatment; pain and dysfunction scores were reduced from 9.86 +/- 0.73 to 3.39 +/- 0.76 and from 11.34 +/- 0.66 to 3.4 +/- 0.69, respectively (P <.001). Self-assessed general improvement/deterioration was +4.90 +/- 2.10 (on a scale of -7 to +7). Maximal mouth opening increased from 24.40 +/- 2.70 mm to 43.20 +/- 3.10 mm (P <.001). Lateral and protrusive jaw movements also increased in magnitude. In 14 patients in whom no improvement was noted, arthrocentesis acted as a diagnostic tool before surgical treatment.

Conclusions: Arthrocentesis is a safe and rapid procedure that in many instances results in the osteoarthritic TMJs returning to a healthy functional state. Failure of arthrocentesis suggests that the painful limitation is most probably caused by changes such as fibrous adhesions or osteophytes that require surgical intervention for their removal.