Treatment of chronic recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint with injection of autologous blood alone,intermaxillary fixation alone,or both together: a prospective,randomised, controlled clinical trial

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of autologous blood injection in the treatment of chronic recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in a prospective randomised controlled clinical study. Forty-eight patients (11 men and 37 women) with chronic recurrent dislocation of the TMJ were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 equally sized groups. Patients in the first group were treated with injection of autologous blood (ABI) alone into the superior joint space and the pericapsular tissues. Those in the second group were treated with intramaxillary fixation (IMF) alone for 4 weeks, and those in the third group were treated with ABI and IMF for 4 weeks. Interincisal distance, digital panoramic radiograph, incidence of recurrent dislocation, and pain in the TMJ were assessed postoperatively at 2 weeks and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The mean (SD) reduction in interincisal distance in the group treated with both techniques was 11.0 (1.9), which was significantly higher than in either the group treated with ABI, which was 8.5 (2.4) or IMF, which was 9.1 (2.1). The results in the ABI group and the IMF group did not differ significantly. The combined group showed the biggest decrease. The ABI alone group had the most recurrences (n = 8, which were treated by repeated injections with no recurrence after the third). The IMF alone group had only 3 and there were none in the combined group. We conclude that ABI is a simple and safe technique for the treatment of dislocation of the TMJ in the outpatient clinic. Recurrence can be overcome by multiple injections. However, the best clinical results are given by a combination of ABI and IMF.     

Arthrocentesis followed by intra-articular autologous blood injection for the treatment of recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is an excessive forward movement of the condyle beyond the articular eminence with complete separation of the articular surfaces and fixation in that position. This study was conducted to assess autologous blood injection to the TMJ for the treatment of chronic recurrent TMJ dislocation. Fifteen patients with bilateral chronic recurrent condylar dislocation were included in the study. Bilateral TMJ arthrocentesis was performed on each patient, followed by the injection of 2 ml of autologous blood into the superior joint compartment and 1 ml onto the outer surface of the joint capsule. Preoperative and postoperative assessment included a thorough history and physical examination to determine the maximal mouth opening, presence of pain and sounds, frequency of luxation, recurrence rate, and presence of facial nerve paralysis. Eighty percent of the subjects (12 patients) had a successful outcome with no further episodes of dislocation and required no further treatment at their 1-year follow-up, whereas three patients had recurrent dislocation as early as 2 weeks after treatment. Autologous blood injection is a safe, simple, and cost-effective treatment for chronic recurrent TMJ dislocation.     

自体血注射治疗复发性颞下颌关节脱位的临床观察

对19例复发性颞下颌关节脱位患者行关节腔和囊周组织自体血注射治疗。1年后随诊,16例无关节脱位复发,有效率为84.2%。也没有观察到TMJ骨质破坏和关节强直的现象。自体血注射治疗复发性颞下颌关节脱位是一种简单、安全、经济、有效的微创治疗方法。     

Histological evaluation of the changes in temporomandibular joint capsule and retrodiscal ligaments following autologous blood injection

IntroductionIn recent years injection of autologous blood into the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has been reintroduced as a treatment of chronic recurrent TMJ dislocation. The effects of this treatment on components of the TMJ is not fully understood. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the effects of autologous blood on TMJ capsule and the retrodiscal ligament.Material and methodsA total of 16 healthy adult country bred pig were used in this study. Autologous blood were injected into the upper joint space (4 ml) and around the capsule of TMJ unilaterally (1 ml). This procedure was then repeated on the opposite side only by using 5 ml of 0.9% saline. TMJ capsules and retrodiscal ligaments were examined four weeks following the injections.ResultsHistological examination of TMJs injected with autologous blood revealed fibrotic changes in 81.25% of the retrodiscal ligaments and 56.25% of the capsular areas. Whilst no changes were seen in the retrodiscal ligaments nor in the capsules of TMJs injected with saline alone.ConclusionThere is little published clinical data on the use of autologous blood injection and as such the mechanism of action is still unclear. The rate of induction of fibrosis within the retrodiscal ligaments in this study were similar to previously reported studies and case series. However, further studies to evaluate the mechanism of this safe and simple technique are needed.     

Clinical evaluation of arthroscopic eminoplasty for habitual dislocation of the temporomandibular joint: comparative study with conventional open eminectomy

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the clinical courses of patients who underwent arthroscopic eminoplasty and conventional open eminectomy for habitual dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). STUDY DESIGN: Arthroscopic eminoplasty was performed by using Segami's method in 24 joints in 13 patients (arthroscopic group) with habitual dislocation of the TMJ, while conventional open eminectomy was performed by using Myrhaug's method in 18 joints in 11 patients (open group). Clinical factors were retrospectively compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The operation time per joint was, on average, 14 minutes shorter in the arthroscopic group (77 minutes versus 63 minutes), and the average blood loss was less in the arthroscopic group (2 g versus 15 g). During the follow-up period (mean, 41 months), dislocation recurred in 5 TMJs (28%) in the open group and in 6 TMJs (25%) in the arthroscopic group. No major postoperative complications were observed in either group. CONCLUSION: In treating patients with habitual dislocation of the TMJ, the use of arthroscopic eminoplasty produces clinical outcomes that are as effective as those obtained with the use of conventional open eminectomy.     

Analysis of MRI findings in minimum invasive treatment for habitual temporomandibular joint dislocation by autologous blood injection around the temporomandibular joint capsule

The aim of this study was to investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings following autologous blood injection (ABI) for habitual temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation. MRI was performed one hour and four and twelve weeks after ABI, revealing three types of significant findings. The first type was similar to hematoma and/or joint effusion in the articular capsule of the TMJ (type I). The second showed sporadic and diffuse T2 emphasis around the TMJ capsule (type II). The third involved a decreased range of condyle movement compared to before ABI (type III). Furthermore, we analyzed the three types of significant MRI findings.At one hour after ABI, type I was Grade 0 in 0 of 14 patients, Grade 1 in 8, Grade 2 in 2, and Grade 3 in 4. Type II was seen in 9 of the 14 cases and type III in 8. After twelve weeks, all cases of type I were Grade 0, no type II cases were evident, and type III was seen in 11 cases. Injecting autologous blood into surrounding TMJ tissues is an important factor in ABI. Minimally invasive treatment for habitual TMJ dislocation using ABI around the TMJ capsule appears to represent a very effective and safe treatment.     

A prospective assessment of outcomes following the use of autologous blood for the management of recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation

Purpose

The objective of the study was to compare results of treatment for chronic recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation (CRTMD) by autologous blood injection (ABI) using two different methods of administration (combination intra- and peri-articular, and peri-articular alone).

Materials and methods

Forty patients diagnosed with CRTMD were randomly divided into two groups of 20 each (A and B). Group A were treated by intra- and peri-articular blood injection, group B were treated by peri-articular injection alone. The follow-up was done at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The study assessed presence of dislocations, pain (VAS, 0–10), interincisal mouth opening (IMO), and the presence of sound phenomena. The treatment was considered successful in patients without the persistence of CRTMD symptoms, as well as with a VAS of 0–1.

Result

After 12 months, a beneficial therapeutic effect in group B was seen in 11 patients, while 16 patients from group A had a therapeutic effect.

Conclusion

Intra- and peri-articular ABI is more effective than peri-articular blood application alone in the treatment of CRTMD, although the difference was not statistically significant.

     

Ultrasound-guided versus blind temporomandibular joint injections: a pilot cadaveric evaluation

Temporomandibular disorders are painful conditions that require precise injection therapy in selected patients. This pilot cadaveric study was undertaken to compare the accuracy of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injection between the anatomical landmark-based (blind) technique and an ultrasound-guided technique. TMJ injections using the blind technique or the ultrasound-guided technique were performed in 10 non-embalmed cadavers. After dissection, the accuracy of the TMJ injections was found to be significantly greater for the ultrasound-guided injections than for the blind technique (blind 55% vs. ultrasound 95%, P = 0.008). For injections into the upper joint space of the TMJ, the success rate of the injection was comparable for the two techniques (blind 80% vs. ultrasound 100%, P = 0.474). However, ultrasound-guided injections into the lower joint space had a much higher success rate than the blind technique (blind 30% vs. ultrasound 90%, P = 0.020). The blind technique was associated with a considerable proportion of failed or inappropriate injections, especially for lower joint space injections. Ultrasound-guided TMJ injections were accomplished with a higher accuracy than the conventional blind technique, especially in the case of injections targeting the lower joint space of the TMJ.     

Single Injection Technique Prolotherapy for Hypermobility Disorders of TMJ Using 25 % Dextrose: A Clinical Study

Introduction

Hypermobility disorders of the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be treated by both conservative and surgical approaches. Conservative approaches should be considered as first line treatment for such disorders. Prolotherapy with 25 % dextrose being injected into the posterior pericapsular tissues is one such treatment modality with favorable outcomes.

Aim

To study the efficacy of single injection of 25 % dextrose in pericapsular tissues in the management of hypermobility joint disorders of TMJ as first line treatment.

Patients and Methods

We have studied a total of 23 patients suffering from either chronic recurrent dislocation or subluxation of the TMJ who were treated with the single injection technique prolotherapy with 25 % dextrose into the pericapsular tissues along with auriculotemporal nerve block and found encouraging results.

Results

Overall success rate in our study was 91.3 % (21/23) with a minimum follow up period of 13.9 months. Number of successfully treated patients requiring one injection was 7 (30.4 %), two injections was 8 (34.7 %) and requiring three injections was 6 (26.1 %). There were no permanent complications.

Conclusion

Hence the use of 25 % dextrose as a proliferant to treat hypermobilty disorders of the TMJ is recommended by us as a first line treatment option as it is safe, economical and an easy procedure associated with minimal morbidity.

     

Personality traits are potentially associated with the presence of chronic temporomandibular joint pain in patients without effusion as determined by T-2 weighted magnetic resonance

Objective: The study aimed at investigating personality traits in chronic temporomandibular joints (TMJ) pain patients with and without joint effusion.

Methods: Two groups of chronic TMJ pain patients were recruited. The TMJ pain control group was composed of patients showing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs of TMJ effusion, while the TMJ pain test group included patients with chronic TMJ pain seemingly not justified, due to the absence of MRI-detected disorders. A third set of pain free individuals was selected as a comparison group. All patients completed a personality assessment with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) instrument, and the between-group differences were assessed for significance by performing an analysis of variance test.

Results: Patients of the TMJ pain test group had higher scores than subjects belonging to the TMJ pain and pain-free control groups in almost all of the MMPI-2 clinical scales. A significant difference was shown for the scales related to concerns about physical health (Scale 1-Hs; F = 7.74; p = .001) and physical symptoms (Scale 3-Hy; F = 8.43; p = .001).

Conclusions: Chronic TMJ pain patients without MRI-detected TMJ effusion have a different personality profile than patients with TMJ effusion and pain-free individuals, regarding high levels of concerns about physical health and physical symptoms.

Clinical implications: This study has important clinical implications for temporomandibular disorders practitioners, providing suggestions that symptoms in the TMJ area are not only related to a physical disorder. The possible existence of a psychologically modulated condition in patients who refer pain in the TMJ area without signs of effusion should be carefully taken into consideration.     

Modified dextrose prolotherapy for recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation

Conservative interventions with simple procedures and predictable benefits are expected by patients with recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We have introduced a modified technique of prolotherapy that comprises injection of lignocaine and 50% dextrose at a single site in the posterior periarticular tissues. We studied the effects in 45 younger patients (age range 17–59 years) with non-neurogenic recurrent dislocation of the TMJ, and confirmed the therapeutic effect after more than a year's follow-up. There were appreciable improvements in the number of episodes of dislocation and clicking after the injection. The overall success rate, defined as the absence of any further dislocation or subluxation for more than 6 months, was 41/45 (91%). Of the 41 rehabilitated patients, 26 (63%) required a single injection, 11 (27%) had 2 treatments, and 4 (10%) needed a third injection. All patients tolerated the injections well. The modified dextrose prolotherapy is simple, safe, and cost-effective for the treatment of recurrent dislocation of the TMJ.     

Effect of platelet-rich plasma on temporomandibular joint cartilage wound healing: Experimental study in rabbits

Purpose

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cartilage and subchondral bone healing.

Short-term results of autologous blood injection for treatment of habitual TMJ luxation

ABSTRACT: Many surgical and nonsurgical methods for the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) hypermobility have been published. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results after autologous blood injection in and around the TMJ for the treatment of habitual luxation. Twenty-five patients were diagnosed as having habitual TMJ luxation and treated with autologous blood injection into the upper joint space and around the joint capsule (group A). A control group of 15 patients with the same diagnosis were subjected to physiotherapy with muscular exercise (group B). Patients in group A were reevaluated 3 months after treatment and those in group B were reevaluated after 3 months of physiotherapy. A statistically significant reduction in maximal mouth opening and TMJ sounds was noted only in group A, whereas the reduction for group B was minimal. These measurements show that intraauricular and periauricular autologous blood injection results in remission of signs and symptoms of TMJ luxation in the short term.     

Incidence of anterior disc displacement without reduction of the temporomandibular joint in patients with dentofacial deformity

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients with dentofacial deformity. Eighty-eight female patients (176 joints) with skeletal class III malocclusion and 33 female patients (66 joints) with skeletal class II malocclusion, with or without anterior open bite and asymmetry, were evaluated. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the TMJ was used to diagnose ADDwoR. A statistical analysis was performed to examine the relationship between ADDwoR and skeletal structure. ADDwoR was present in 37 of the 66 joints (56.1%) in class II compared to 34 of the 176 joints (19.3%) in class III (P < 0.05). In class III, ADDwoR was significantly more common in joints with mandibular asymmetry (24/74; 32.4%) than in joints with open bite (9/62; 14.5%) and joints with open bite and without mandibular asymmetry (1/38; 2.6%). In class II, ADDwoR was significantly less common in joints with mandibular asymmetry and without open bite (1/8; 12.5%). ADDwoR was only observed on the deviated side in both class III and class II with mandibular asymmetry. The prevalence of ADDwoR differed according to the dentofacial morphology.     

Adaptive change in temporomandibular joint tissue and mandibular morphology following surgically induced anterior disc displacement by bFGF injection in a rabbit model

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of injecting basic fibroblast growth factor following surgical induced anterior disc displacement in temporomandibular joints (TMJ).

Chondrotoxic effects of intra-articular injection of local anaesthetics in the rabbit temporomandibular joint

The aim of this study was to investigate the chondrotoxic effects of a single-dose intra-articular injection of articaine, lidocaine, and bupivacaine on the rabbit temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Twenty-four rabbits were divided into four groups: control (group 1), articaine (group 2), lidocaine (group 3), and bupivacaine (group 4). Synovial fluid samples and venous blood were taken to evaluate matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) levels. One millilitre of local anaesthetic solution was injected in the study groups and saline solution in the control group. The rabbits were euthanized after 4 weeks and the mandibular condyles and articular discs were evaluated. On histological examination, the study group samples had irregular joint surfaces, decreased collagen, and a thinner cartilage layer. Apoptotic cells were evaluated with the TUNEL method. TUNEL-positive apoptotic cell counts were higher in all study groups compared to the control group, and the difference was significant (P < 0.001). The mean preoperative serum MMP-3 level for all groups was 5.71 ± 3.33 ng/mL, while the mean postoperative level was 22.61 ± 6.36 ng/mL; this difference was significant (P < 0.001). A single-dose intra-articular injection of local anaesthetic had apoptotic effects on chondrocytes, leading to degenerative changes in the TMJ articular structures. Articaine was found to have less harmful effects than lidocaine and bupivacaine. Intra-articular injection of local anaesthetics should be limited in the TMJ because of the potential toxic effects.     

Time-course change in temporomandibular joint space after advancement and setback mandibular osteotomy with Le Fort I osteotomy

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare time-course changes in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) space between mandibular advancement surgery and setback surgery after sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) and Le Fort I osteotomy.

Subjective symptoms in temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis.

Questionnaires about subjective symptoms were sent by post to 120 patients referred to the clinic for mandibular dysfunction. A group of 20 patients with crepitation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and a group of 19 patients with palpatory tenderness of the TMJ were compared with a reference group of 29 patients for any difference in local subjective symptoms, frequency of headache and symptoms in other joints. The patients with TMJ crepitation, which were considered to have TMJ osteoarthrosis, were older and reported a higher frequency of grating sound from the TMJ than the patients in the reference group. The patients with palpatory tenderness of the TMJ reported a higher frequency of toothgrinding, more severe symptoms of mandibular dysfunction and a higher frequency of symptoms in the hand joints. No correlation was found between subjective symptoms of mandibular dysfunction and those of other joints. The results of the study indicate that patients with TMJ osteoarthrosis do not differ from other patients with mandibular dysfunction with respect to subjective symptoms and that subjective symptoms of mandibular dysfunction in general develop independently of those in other joints.     

Radiographic signs in the temporomandibular and hand joints in patients with psoriatic arthritis

The temporomandibular (TMJ) and hand joints of 64 patients with psoriatic arthritis (PA) were examined radiographically with panoramic tomography and dorsovolar projection. The associations between radiographic signs in the condyle of the TMJ and finger joints were analyzed with Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient. Twenty-six patients (41%) had radiographic signs in their TMJs. Arthritic signs were seen in 14 (22%) and degenerative signs in 12 (19%) patients. Fifty-five patients (86%) had radiographic signs in their hands; 33 patients (52%) had arthritic and 22 (34%) degenerative signs. In the TMJ statistically significant correlations were found among erosion, flattening, and cortical sclerosis and also between osteophyte and cortical sclerosis. In the finger joints erosion correlated significantly with dislocation and loss of space. Erosion in the condyle of the TMJ was the only sign that correlated with changes in the finger joints such as erosion, dislocation, and ankylosis. Erosion in the TMJ also correlated with erosion in the metacarpophalangeal joint and wrist.     

Severe temporomandibular dysfunction and joint destruction after intra-articular injection of triamcinolone

BACKGROUND: Steroid injections into joints are frequently used to control symptomatic pain. Risks associated with intra-articular steroid injections are not well documented. METHODS: We report the case of a 29-year-old woman who was referred to a dental surgeon because of a suspected relationship between persisting chronic back pain and an arthrosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). RESULTS: The dental surgeon diagnosed capsulitis of the right TMJ and injected 40 mg triamcinolone into the joint. Within 4 months the patient developed progressive pain and trismus of the right TMJ and the intra-articular injection was repeated. An occlusal splint slightly improved the patients' symptoms but induced crepitus. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a disk dislocation in the right TMJ and severe necrosis of the condyle. The patient had persisting pain and ankylosis. Surgical restoration of the TMJ revealed a bony apposition in the fossa deformed with the socket of the joint, extensive medial erosion of the condyle and complete destruction of the disk. CONCLUSION: This case report supports earlier observations that intra-articular glucocorticoid injections, if used in a wrong way, may cause severe destruction of a joint.