Standalone Intra-Articular Injections for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Overview of Meta-Analytic Evidence

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Rheumatology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Intra-articular injections are a common treatment for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) refractory to conservative therapies.
• Existing reviews often combine injectable agents with other procedures, complicating the assessment of standalone injection efficacy.
• A need exists to evaluate the independent effects of various injectable substances for TMDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an overview of meta-analytic evidence on the efficacy of standalone intra-articular injections for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs).
• To synthesize findings on different injectable agents, their indications, and reported outcomes in TMD management.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of MEDLINE, BASE, and Europe PMC was performed on March 29, 2026.
• Inclusion criteria focused on systematic reviews with quantitative meta-analyses of standalone intra-articular TMJ injections.
• Data extraction and descriptive synthesis covered injectable substances, clinical indications, and outcome domains.

Main Results:

• Three systematic reviews with meta-analyses were included in this overview.
• Investigated agents included platelet-rich plasma, corticosteroids, sodium hyaluronate, and physiological saline for conditions like osteoarthritis and internal derangement.
• All evaluated agents demonstrated an association with pain reduction in patients with TMDs.

Conclusions:

• Meta-analytic evidence for standalone intra-articular injections in TMDs is currently limited and characterized by heterogeneity.
• While potential benefits, particularly pain reduction, are suggested, no specific agent has demonstrated clear superiority.
• Future research should consider the potential therapeutic role of physiological saline in injection trials for TMDs.