Temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis: global research trends in a comprehensive bibliometric analysis (1989-2025)

Over the past three decades, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis has evolved from a mechanical lavage procedure into a sophisticated treatment standard incorporating principles of biological modulation and regenerative medicine. The aim of this study is to analyze the global TMJ arthrocentesis literature between 1989 and 2025 using bibliometric methods, thereby objectively mapping the procedure's technical evolution, clinical paradigm shifts (the transition from Axis I to Axis II), and the migration of research focus from surgical technique to biopsychosocial management.

Data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database on January 13 2026. A total of 792 original articles and reviews, identified through a comprehensive search strategy, were analyzed using VOSviewer and R-Bibliometrix software regarding annual growth rate, citation networks, conceptual structure, and global collaboration dynamics.

The literature was found to be expanding with an annual growth rate of 12.1%, peaking in 2024 in terms of both publication count (n = 74) and citations (n = 1952). While the USA (n = 111) remains the most productive country, Turkey (n = 107) ranks second, demonstrating its strong clinical activity in the field. In citation networks, Nitzan's "anchored disc" theory (n = 314 citations) maintains its central position; however, the rise of Schiffman's DC/TMD criteria (n = 125 citations) and Manfredini's psychosocial studies indicates that success is now contingent more upon patient phenotype than physical parameters. Furthermore, the concepts of "ultrasound guidance" and "regenerative agents" (PRP, HA) have dominated the literature in recent years.

The TMJ arthrocentesis literature is undergoing a dynamic transformation characterized by surgical minimization and technological integration. Research trends corroborate that the concept of "mechanical success" has yielded to a holistic treatment model constituted by accurate patient selection (Axis II), imaging guidance, and biological regeneration.