Comparison between two viscosupplementation protocols for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE

This clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy of two protocols using high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) intra-articular injection in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis and evaluate involvement of subchondral bone changes and psychosocial factors as predictors of HA treatment.

METHODS

Twenty-one individuals were divided into two groups: (A) received three intra-articular HA injections, and (B) received one injection. Outcomes observed were pain intensity, functional limitation, maximum voluntary mouth opening, maximum assisted mouth opening, and treatment tolerability. Follow-ups were performed weekly for 21 days, and two months after the treatment started.

RESULTS

No statistically significant intergroup differences were observed in any of the evaluated outcomes. However, Group A showed significant improvement in all outcomes, whereas Group B showed significant improvement only in pain intensity and functional limitation.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the effectiveness of both protocols in terms of pain intensity and functional limitation caused by osteoarthritis.