Efficacy of prolotherapy and arthrocentesis in management of temporomandibular joint hypermobility.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy in conjunction with arthrocentesis and dextrose prolotherapy alone in the management of symptomatic TMJ hypermobility.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients suffering from TMJ symptomatic hypermobility received 10% dextrose injections for three sessions at four-week intervals. Twelve patients (P group) received prolotherapy alone; the other 12 (PA group) also underwent a single arthrocentesis session. Patients were evaluated for maximal incisal opening, maximal incisal opening without pain, pain at rest, pain during chewing function, TMJ sound, and locking episode frequency.

RESULTS

Pain scores were significantly reduced in both groups, and the locking episode frequency was decreased to a greater extent in the PA than the P group, at both the short and long terms.

CONCLUSION

Prolotherapy is effective in the management of TMJ hypermobility. However, prolotherapy with arthrocentesis may be superior to prolotherapy alone in the management of TMJ hypermobility.