Efficacy of arthrocentesis with intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid and corticosteroid in the treatment of internal derangement of temporomandibular joint

INTRODUCTION: Various techniques have been used to treat internal temporomandibular joint derangements (TMJ ID), with arthrocentesis one of the most successful in reducing symptoms and promoting function. In cases of TMJ ID, this research study compares and evaluates the efficacy of arthrocentesis with injections of corticosteroids (CS) or hyaluronic acid (HA). METHODS: This prospective randomized, non-blinded study involving 91 patients with symptoms of TMJ ID treated by arthrocentesis followed by intra articular injection of 1 ml of either corticosteroid (group A) or HA (group B) . Maximum mouth opening, lateral excursive movements, TMJ pain at rest and during function, masticatory efficiency, pre-treatment functional TMJ limitation and subjective judgment of efficacy of treatment were assessed with millimeter scale. All the parameters measured before the procedure and further followed at 1(st) week, 1(st) month, 3(rd) month and 6(th) month post-procedure. RESULTS: Maximum mouth opening post procedure improved significantly in Group B at follow up visits (P < 0.05). Subjects in group B showed significant reduction in pain at rest (P = 0.001) at 1 week and 1 month follow up & increased masticatory efficiency at 6 months (P = 0.042) as compared to that of group A subjects. CONCLUSION: Injection of HA post-TMJ arthrocentesis is found be comparatively more effective method of treating TMD IDs with resultant decrease in pain & improved functionality of the jaw. TMJ arthrocentesis along with injection of HA could serve as a possible alternative to treat chronic TMJ pain sufferers who are unresponsive to conservative medical therapies.