Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
Prospective comparison of arthroscopy and arthrocentesis for temporomandibular joint disorders
K L Fridrich1, J M Wise, D L Zeitler
1Department of Hospital Dentistry, University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City, USA.
Purpose:
A prospective, randomized study was undertaken to compare arthroscopy and arthrocentesis for treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.
Patients And Methods:
Nineteen patients with clinical and radiographic documentation of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint(s) unresponsive to nonsurgical therapy were randomized to one of two surgical groups: arthroscopic lysis and lavage under general anesthesia or arthrocentesis, hydraulic distention, and lavage under intravenous sedation. Objective data were collected; including interincisal opening, lateral excursions, occlusal evaluation, deviation on opening, and tenderness to palpation. A questionnaire in the form of visual analog scales relating to pain, joint noise, jaw mobility, and dietary alterations was completed by each patient at 1 week, and 1, 3, 4, 12, and 26 months postoperatively.
Results:
There was no statistically significant difference in outcome between the two groups for any parameter evaluated. Categorization of a particular subject into a successful outcome was based on statistically significant improvement in maximum incisal opening and pain scores; the overall success rate was 82% for arthroscopy and 75% for arthrocentesis.
Conclusions:
Therapeutic success was not significantly different for arthroscopy and arthrocentesis; both surgical modalities are useful for decreasing patient reports of pain while increasing functional mobility of the mandible.
