Pain and Functional Outcomes of Temporomandibular Joint Arthrocentesis

Arthrocentesis is a commonly used, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This study aims to evaluate the short-term and long-term outcomes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis and to investigate how clinical variables affect its success over time.

Patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral arthrocentesis were retrospectively reviewed, and eligible participants were contacted and scheduled for clinical evaluation. Demographic variables (age, sex), diagnosis, duration of pain and dysfunction, irrigation volume, and intra-articular injections were recorded. Pain intensity, maximum mouth opening (MMO), and patient satisfaction were evaluated as clinical outcomes. Data were analyzed at preoperative (T0), short-term postoperative (<6 months, T1), and long-term postoperative (≥6 months, T2) time points.

A total of 51 joints from 38 patients were analyzed. A significant decrease in pain was observed in all patients at T1 and T2 (P<0.05). Significant improvements in maximum mouth opening (MMO) were observed at T2 (P<0.05). Compared with T1, T2 VAS scores differed significantly between age and diagnosis groups. In addition, patients with dysfunction lasting 7 months or longer showed significantly more favorable mouth-opening outcomes at both T1 and T2 (P<0.05).

Arthrocentesis effectively reduces pain and improves function over the long term. Age, diagnosis, and duration of dysfunction may be considered factors associated with early pain reduction and long-term functional improvement following arthrocentesis.