A single-puncture arthrocentesis technique, using a peripheral intravenous catheter

Arthrocentesis is a technique used for lavage of the inflammatory content of the supradiscal space and lysis of the fibrous strands attaching the articular disc to the superior compartment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The most widely accepted and classical manner in which this technique is performed is through two-needle access to the superior joint space. Nevertheless, it has been reported in the literature that this technique is challenging and has several limitations. Thus, the use of a single-puncture approach has been proposed, which represents a less traumatic and easier to perform technique. The single-puncture approach may have several advantages over the classical two-needle approach in regard to completion time, tolerability, stabilization of the needle, and retention of the intra-articular medication. A single-puncture technique is described herein, which uses an intravenous catheter to provide simultaneous inflow/outflow for low or high volume irrigation of the TMJ. The feasibility and low cost of this technique are primary advantages; peripheral intravenous catheters are one of the most widely used devices for vascular access in the primary and hospital healthcare settings.