Outcome of arthrocentesis for temporomandibular joint with closed lock at 3 years follow-up

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intermediate term results of arthrocentesis for the management of temporomandibular joint closed lock. Study design. Twenty consecutive patients with closed locking of their temporomandibular joint were treated by arthrocentesis. All patients rated their pain level on a visual analogue scale, and completed pain, jaw dysfunction, and daily activity questionnaires before, 6 months, and 3 years after the procedure. The patients' jaw opening was also scaled. Preoperative and postoperative differences of the data were analyzed statistically. The success rate was also calculated according to our success criteria. Results. The success rate was 70% at 6 months follow-up; it increased to 78.9% over the 3 years of follow-up. All posttreatment scores showed significant improvements in efficacy. Conclusion. Arthrocentesis was considered as an effective minimally invasive surgical treatment for temporomandibular joint closed lock based when evaluated 3 years after the procedure.