Ultrasound-Guided Minimally Invasive Interventions for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Procedures
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Ultrasound (US) is increasingly utilized for guiding minimally invasive interventions in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Real-time visualization of the TMJ, surrounding structures, and needle trajectory is a key advantage of US guidance.
• This scoping review systematically maps the evidence on US-guided minimally invasive interventions for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To map and characterize the existing literature on ultrasound-guided minimally invasive interventions for TMDs.
• To identify the types of interventions and outcomes reported in studies using US guidance for TMJ disorders.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, BASE, and Europe PMC up to April 2026.
• Included original clinical and technical studies evaluating US-guided minimally invasive interventions for TMDs.

Main Results:

• Seventeen studies (2012-2026) were included, focusing on intra-articular injections, arthrocentesis, and botulinum toxin injections.
• Most studies reported pain reduction and improved jaw function with US-guided interventions.
• US guidance demonstrated improved needle placement accuracy, fewer attempts, and shorter procedure times compared to conventional methods, though long-term outcomes were not consistently superior.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound-guided minimally invasive TMJ interventions are feasible and generally safe.
• The primary benefit lies in enhanced visualization and procedural precision.
• High-quality, standardized research is required to establish definitive clinical impact and long-term efficacy.