Effect of arthrocentesis on TMJ disturbance of mouth closure with loud clicking: a preliminary study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of arthrocentesis on temporomandibular joint disturbance of mouth closure with loud clicking compared to the effect of one-time pumping into the joint space previous to arthrography. Twenty-one consecutive patients (22 joints) with loud clicking during mouth closure were enrolled. All were unable to smoothly close the mouth without effort. Eleven patients (12 joints) were examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine disk position. They then underwent arthrocentesis. Ten patients (10 joints) underwent arthrography alone as controls. Six months later, changes in clicking and temporomandibular joint movement were analyzed and the disk position was re-examined. There was improvement of mouth closing and clicking occurred in nine joints from the arthrocentesis group and two joints from the control group, with a significant difference between the two groups. Arthrocentesis may be indicated for patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction and loud clicking when mouth closing.