Age, gender and parafunctional habits as prognostic factors for temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis.

OBJECTIVE

Arthrocentesis is an effective procedure for management of symptomatic patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWOR), but its prognostic factors are still under investigation.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients with ADDWOR underwent arthrocentesis of the TMJ and hyaluronic acid injection. They were divided into groups based on three prognostic factors: Age, gender, and the presence of parafunctional habits. The procedure outcome (success or failure) was based on pre-set criteria for improvement in pain and maximum mouth opening (MMO) one month preoperatively.

RESULTS

Patients with parafunctional habits had a lower success rate than patients without these habits. Interesting trends were noted with age and gender as prognostic factors for arthrocentesis for patients with ADDWOR.

CONCLUSION

Arthrocentesis is an effective management method for symptomatic patients with ADDWOR at one-month post treatment, especially in the absence of parafunctional habits.