Arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint: a proposal for a single-needle technique

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2008 Oct;106(4):483-6. doi: 10.1016/j.tripleo.2007.12.006. Epub 2008 Apr 18.

Abstract

Arthrocentesis is a method of flushing out the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that is currently performed by providing a double access to the joint space. Several studies have shown that arthrocentesis of the upper compartment of the TMJ may be a highly effective method to restore normal maximal mouth opening and functioning. Nonetheless, the classical 2-needle technique has some limits, such as the low tolerability and difficulty in performing it in the presence of intra-articular adherences. The adoption of a single-needle for both fluid injection and aspiration might have some advantages with respect to the traditional 2-needle approach in terms of time of execution, tolerability, and retention of medication. These potential advantages have to be assessed with future randomized and controlled clinical trials.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hyaluronic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Injections, Intra-Articular / instrumentation*
  • Needles
  • Paracentesis / instrumentation*
  • Paracentesis / methods
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Temporomandibular Joint / surgery*
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / surgery*
  • Viscosupplements / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Viscosupplements
  • Hyaluronic Acid