Evaluation of the efficacy of injectable platelet-rich fibrin in internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint: a retrospective study.

The clinical efficacy of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) in internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ-ID) has not been sufficiently investigated. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the effect of intra-articular i-PRF, alone and in combination with arthrocentesis, on pain, jaw movement, and masticatory efficiency in TMJ-ID. Forty-eight patients with TMJ-ID who had undergone arthrocentesis only (AC), i-PRF injection with arthrocentesis (AC+i-PRF), or single i-PRF injection (i-PRF) were included (16 per group). Pain (at rest and during function), maximum mouth opening (MMO; unassisted and assisted), lateral and protrusive movements, and chewing efficiency were evaluated pre-treatment and at 10 days, 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. All outcomes improved significantly over time in all three groups. Significant differences were observed in pain during function and at rest between the three groups at most post-treatment time-points (all P < 0.01). Post hoc pairwise comparisons revealed no significant difference in mean VAS scores between AC+i-PRF and i-PRF; however, significant differences were observed between AC and both AC+i-PRF and i-PRF, with significantly lower pain scores in the i-PRF groups (all P < 0.05). Similarly, significant differences were noted between AC and both AC+i-PRF and i-PRF for MMO, with post hoc testing revealing greater MMO values in the i-PRF groups. Chewing efficiency differed significantly between the groups only at 3 months (P = 0.006). Overall, i-PRF, alone or combined with arthrocentesis, significantly reduced pain and improved jaw function compared to arthrocentesis alone. The findings suggest that i-PRF alone may provide comparable clinical benefits to AC+i-PRF, offering a simplified and effective treatment approach for TMJ-ID.