Long-term results of arthrocentesis in degenerative temporomandibular disorders

Objectives. Long-term efficacy of arthrocentesis was investigated in patients with degenerative temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in this clinical study. Study design. Twenty-two joints of 15 patients with degenerative TMD were included as the study group, and 16 joints of 10 patients served as the control group. Arthrocentesis procedures in upper joint spaces were performed. The study group patients' mean follow-up period was 36.7 +/- 18.7 months, whereas the control group were kept for an average 9.9 +/- 2.8 months. Results were statistically compared using 1-way repeated analysis of variance and t test. Results. Pretreatment maximal interincisal opening increased significantly from 33.6 +/- 6.0 mm to 37.8 +/- 6.0 mm in the study group. Pretreatment pain and crepitus scores decreased significantly from 71.0 +/- 6.6 to 27.0 +/- 16 and 0.73 +/- 0.4 to 0.6 +/- 0.5, respectively, in the study group. Conclusions. Arthrocentesis was found to be a useful method for the treatment of degenerative TMDs, and the outcomes of treatment provide long-term cure for degenerative temporomandibular joints. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 107: e1-e5)