Clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation of ultrasound-guided single puncture temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of successful TMJ treatment on relief of pain, improvement of mandibular movement and capsular width with clinical and ultrasonography (US) findings. In this study, TMJ changes were evaluated by clinical and US examination after US-guided single-puncture arthrocentesis, which represents a novel approach.

METHODS

Clinical measurements were obtained before each procedure and at 1 day, 7 days, and 3 months thereafter. Capsular width was measured via the US at the 3-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were evident at the short term of 3 months post-arthrocentesis with supportive treatment, including splint therapy and jaw exercises.

CONCLUSION

Arthrocentesis in conjunction with splint therapy and jaw exercises demonstrated significant clinical improvement at the short-term follow-up of 3 months. US imaging can be helpful for follow-up evaluation of the pre- and post-treatment capsule width. Longer follow-up studies are necessary to validate the effectiveness of this treatment protocol.