Management of painful temporomandibular joint clicking with different intraoral devices and counseling: a controlled study

Objective

The benefit of the use of some intraoral devices in arthrogenous temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients is still unknown. This study assessed the effectiveness of the partial use of intraoral devices and counseling in the management of patients with disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) and arthralgia.

Materials and Methods

A total of 60 DDWR and arthralgia patients were randomly divided into three groups: group I (n=20) wore anterior repositioning occlusal splints (ARS); group II (n=20) wore the Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition Clenching Suppression System devices (NTI-tss); and group III (n=20) only received counseling for behavioral changes and self-care (the control group). The first two groups also received counseling. Follow-ups were performed after 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months. In these sessions, patients were evaluated by means of a visual analogue scale, pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), maximum range of motion and TMJ sounds. Possible adverse effects were also recorded, such as discomfort while using the device and occlusal changes. The results were analyzed with ANOVA, Tukey’s and Fisher Exact Test, with a significance level of 5%.

Results

Groups I and II showed improvement in pain intensity at the first follow-up. This progress was recorded only after 3 months in Group III. Group II showed an increased in joint sounds frequency. The PPT values, mandibular range of motion and the number of occlusal contacts did not change significantly.

Conclusion

The simultaneous use of intraoral devices (partial time) plus behavioral modifications seems to produce a more rapid pain improvement in patients with painful DDWR. The use of NTI-tss could increase TMJ sounds. Although intraoral devices with additional counseling should be considered for the management of painful DDWR, dentists should be aware of the possible side effects of the intraoral device’s design.     

Evaluation of the efficiency of different treatment modalities in individuals with painful temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reduction: a randomised controlled clinical trial

The aim of the study was to investigate and compare short and long-term effects of occlusal splints (OS), ultrasound (US), and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in patients with painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement with reduction (DDWR). This prospective, randomised, single-blinded, controlled clinical study was conducted on patients with DDWR at a university oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic. A total of 140 patients were allocated randomly to four groups (OS, US, HILT, and control), with 35 patients in each. Patients were evaluated for pain, range of motion of the jaw, disability, and quality of life. A total of 132 patients completed the study. In all treatment groups (OS, US, and HILT), a significant improvement was observed in terms of pain, function, disability, and quality of life, at both weeks four and 12 compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Improvements in VAS pain and maximum mouth opening were not significantly different between the treatment groups. However, compared with the OS group, there was a significant improvement in the HILT and US groups in terms of total Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-20 (JFLS-20) scores at week four, but no difference between the groups at week 12. The results of this study show that OS, US, and HILT are effective treatments for pain and functional jaw movements in patients with DDWR. HILT, a new method, can be an alternative treatment in cases of TMD.     

手术治疗单侧不可复性关节盘前移位的疗效观察

目的探讨手术治疗单侧颞下颌关节不可复性关节盘前移位的临床效果。 方法选择2012年10月至2013年10月单侧不可复性关节盘前移位患者54例,均经磁共振成像（MRI）确诊,保守治疗效果不佳,进行关节盘复位手术,按发病病程分为以下三组：6个月以内组（15例）;6~12个月组（22例）;12个月以上组（17例）。治疗后1、6和12个月对患者进行复诊,并对三组的疗效进行比较。 结果术后1、6和12个月复诊时,三组病例术后张口度改善情况和疼痛缓解情况均较术前有明显改善（P < 0.05）。术后12个月时,6个月以内组和6~12个月组张口度改善情况优于12个月以上组（P < 0.05）;而这两组仅在术后1个月复查时有明显差异（P < 0.05）,在其他复查时间点该两组无明显差异。6~12个月组术后张口度改善情况均优于12个月以上组（P < 0.05）。6个月以内组和6~12个月组疼痛缓解程度均优于12个月以上组（P < 0.05）;而6个月以内组和6~12个月组未发现明显差异。 结论在保守治疗效果不佳的前提下,手术是治疗不可复性关节盘前移位的有效方法,尤其对于发病时间在12个月以内的病例的治疗效果明显优于病程较长者,早期治疗对于预后十分重要。     

颞下颌关节盘绞锁的自然病程探讨

目的 定期追踪随访颞下颌关节盘绞锁患者,初步了解关节盘绞锁的自然病程和转归.方法 初诊为关节盘绞锁的68例患者中,54例进行24个月的电话追踪随访.根据绞锁的病程发展分为:症状进展组(即发生不可复性盘前移位)、症状消失组、症状持续组,并用统计学方法分析组间年龄、性别、病程、有无疼痛和绞锁发生频率间有无差异.结果 54例随访患者中,症状进展组16例(30%),症状持续组32例(59%),症状消失组6例(11%);3组患者的性别、年龄、初诊时有无疼痛和绞锁发生的频率比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 关节盘绞锁患者发生不可复性盘前移位的风险增大;关节盘绞锁发展为不可复性盘前移位与患者的性别、年龄、病程、有无疼痛和绞锁频率似无关,有待扩大样本量后进一步研究.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the clinical natural course of temporomandibular joint(TMJ) intermittent closed lock(ICL) through 24 months follow-up. Methods Sixty-eight patients with ICL were included, and 54 patients finished 24 months follow-up. The disease duration, frequency of joint lock and joint pain were recorded at the patient′s first visit. Telephone interviews were taken for every month, and the frequency of joint lock and joint pain were recorded. According to the development of ICL, the patients were divided into 3 groups: symptom-worsened group, symptom-disappeared group, symptom-persisted group. Results There were 16 patients(30%) whose symptoms worsened into closed lock (disk displacement without reduction), 32 patients(59%) whose symptoms persisted during the 24 months follow-up, and 6 patients′(11%) symptoms disappeared. In symptom-persisted group,the frequency of joint lock decreased in 11/32(34%), increased in 4/32(13%), did not change in 17/32(53%).There was no significant difference in gender, age, frequency of joint lock and joint pain recorded at the first visit among these 3 groups(P>0.05).The disease duration in the symptom-disappeared group was much shorter than the other 2 groups (P<0.05). Conclusions ICL of TMJ was more likely to get worse into closed lock. There seemed no significant relation between the sequelaes of ICL and patients′ gender, age, disease duration, frequency of joint lock and joint pain, and larger sample studies were necessary.     

Do signs of an effusion of the temporomandibular joint on magnetic resonance imaging correlate with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disease?

Effusions are common among patients with disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), but publications are limited and results inconsistent about the correlation between them and important clinical variables, in particular severity of pain and degenerative disease. We organised a retrospective study of patients who presented for the evaluation and management of arthralgia of the TMJ and myofascial pain at the University of Michigan between 2011 and 2014. Inclusion criteria were: patients who had pain that was primarily arthrogenous, and coexisting myogenous pain, who had had initial non-surgical treatment, and arthroscopy of the TMJ with or without intramuscular injection of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox,^® Allegan, Weston, Fl, USA). The primary outcome variables were pain at rest as measured by visual analogue score (VAS) and the presence of degenerative disease of the joint. The secondary outcome variables included the position of the disc and whether it was perforated, signs of synovitis, maximal interincisal opening (MIO), and duration of symptoms. We studied 47 patients (94 TMJ) who met the inclusion criteria. We found no significant differences in pain at rest before or after arthroscopy, between patients with and without effusions, or in maximal MIO or duration of symptoms between the two groups. There was, however, a significant relation between effusions and degenerative joint disease. Effusions were also associated with a lower probability of the disc being in a normal position and a higher probability of anterior disc displacement without reduction.     

改良切口关节盘锚固术治疗颞下颌关节盘不可复性前移位的临床评价

目的: 评价应用改良切口关节盘锚固术治疗颞下颌关节盘不可复性前移位的临床疗效。方法: 选取2014年9月—2016年9月我院颞下颌关节专科就诊的24例（30侧）颞下颌关节紊乱病患者,采用改良切口颞下颌关节盘锚固术进行治疗, 分析术前、术后6个月不同时期患者的疼痛值、开口度的变化及MRI影像学表现,采用SPSS17.0软件包中的t检验评价手术效果。结果: 治疗前平均开口度为（23.63±3.31）mm(17~29 mm),治疗后平均开口度为（38.00±2.30）mm(32~42 mm),治疗后开口度≥35 mm 的患者占 87.5%（21/24）;疼痛直观模拟标尺（visual analogue scale,VAS）值术前为29.76±23.35（0~80）,术后6个月为3.71±7.91（0~50）,术后6个月的开口度及VAS值均与治疗前有显著差异（P<0.05）。MRI影像学评价有效率达96.67%（29/30侧）,所有病例均无并发症发生。结论: 颞下颌关节盘锚固术能有效治疗颞下颌关节盘不可复性前移位,在复位关节盘的前提下,显著改善开口度和缓解疼痛。     

关节腔注射治疗对不同年龄段颞下颌关节骨关节炎患者的疗效评价

目的:评价5周一个疗程的关节灌洗术联合透明质酸钠注射对不同年龄段颞下颌关节骨关节炎患者的疗效。方法:选取颞下颌关节骨关节炎患者47例,按年龄段不同分为青年组（<45岁）、中年组（45~65岁）和老年组（>65岁）3组。所有患者均接受5周一个疗程的关节灌洗联合透明质酸钠关节腔注射术。在试验基线和治疗后的第1、3、6个月,分别检测各试验组非辅助最大开口度、休息时及咀嚼时疼痛感以及关节运动功能障碍。在试验基线和治疗后第6个月使用OHIP-14量表测量患者的生存质量。使用SPSS18.0软件包对数据进行统计学处理。结果:各组患者治疗后生存质量均显著提高（P<0.05）;青年组（<45岁）患者休息时疼痛感在治疗后得到明显缓解（P<0.05）;中年组（45~65岁）患者治疗后最大开口度明显增加,下颌运动功能障碍明显改善（P<0.05）;老年组（>65岁）患者所有检测指标均显著优于治疗前（P<0.05）,临床症状的改善程度明显优于其他2组（P<0.05）。结论:颞下颌关节骨关节炎的临床疗效与年龄相关,老年患者能获得更好的整体疗效。     

Bone marrow nucleated cell concentrate autograft in temporomandibular joint degenerative disorders: 1-year results of a randomized clinical trial

Objectiveto assess the reliability of bone marrow nucleated cell (BMNc) intra-articular injection in patients with degenerative temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), and to compare its efficacy with that of hyaluronic acid (HA).Materials and methodsthis study was designed as a randomized, controlled trial of parallel groups. Patients affected by degenerative joint mandibular disorders were enrolled in this prospective clinical trial and randomly divided into two groups. The HA group underwent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis and HA injection, whilst patients in the BMNc group were inoculated with BMNc inside the joint after lavage. Outcome measures were: assessing pain at rest and during motion, joint noises, chewing efficiency, and maximum interincisal opening. A postoperative MRI scan was performed and compared with the preoperative one, while examining for cartilage regeneration. Clinical and radiological data were collected from baseline to 12 months follow-up.ResultsThirty patients, 15 for each group, complaining of different degrees of unilateral TMD with internal derangement, were enrolled and treated. In both groups, significant clinical improvements were detected after the procedure up to 1 year postoperatively. The BMNc group presented significantly better pain relief than the HA group after 6 months (p = 0.028) and 12 months (p = 0.000). No significant differences were observed in terms of joint noises. In terms of chewing efficiency, the BMNc group showed positive significant differences after 12 months (p = 0.000). Maximum interincisal opening presented significantly better values in the BMNc group after 6 months (p = 0.001) and 12 months (p = 0.000). No MRI evidence of cartilage regeneration was reported.Conclusionintra-articular TMJ BMNc injection improved clinical outcomes in TMD treatment. The Results of this first human-model study are promising but further studies are needed to determine whether BMNc can represent the best treatment for TMDs.     

Arthroscopic discopexy technique with anchors for treatment of temporomandibular joint internal derangement: Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation

PurposeThe objective of this study was to describe a technique of arthroscopic discopexy with anchors used to treat temporomandibular joint internal derangement.Materials and methodsThis study involved patients with unilateral temporomandibular dysfunction refractory to conservative treatment, and whose magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations showed internal derangement of the temporomandibular disc, with anterior disc displacement. Maximal interincisal opening (MIO), joint pain, joint noise, and disc position were the variables assessed by clinical examination and MRI before and 6 months after the surgery.ResultsThe sample consisted of 20 patients. In the postoperative evaluation, MIO had increased from 33.8 ± 4.83 mm to 35.1 ± 4.08 mm (p = 0.04), while joint pain had decreased from 7.5 ± 1.42 points to 2.05 ± 1.47 points (p = 0.001). With regard to joint noise, 19 of the patients had presented with clicking or crepitation but after 6 months these were completely absent. Disc repositioning was complete in 15 of the patients and partial in the other five.ConclusionThe technique of arthroscopic discopexy with anchors was shown to be effective in treating temporomandibular internal derangement, with good clinical results.     

Effect of intra-articular corticosteroid injections on pain and mouth opening in juvenile idiopathic arthritis with temporomandibular involvement: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of temporomandibular intra-articular corticosteroid injections (IACS) on pain and mouth opening in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement.MethodsSystematic review and meta-analysis methodology was used, beginning with a comprehensive literature search using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library. The population in question was pediatric patients with a JIA diagnosis and TMJ involvement; the intervention was IACS injections to treat TMJ arthritis; a strict control group was not considered necessary; the outcome was clinical signs of improvement of the TMJ arthritis based on pain and mouth opening capacity (MIO). Data on pain and MIO were extracted from the selected studies, and the methodological quality of studies was assessed according to the ROBINS-I tool. Results from the different studies were combined to calculate the pooled proportion with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pain resolution, and pooled mean differences with 95% CIs for improvement in MIO. Heterogeneity of the results among studies was tested using I² statistics.ResultsThe initial search yielded a total of 330 articles; 11 of these were selected for inclusion in the review. 325 participants were included from the combined studies, with the mean age of participants ranging from 5.3 to 13.6 years. Between 24 and 137 TMJs were selected for each of the studies. The pooled proportion of patients with pain resolution following IACS injection was 78% (95% CI: 59–90%), with large heterogeneity (I² = 62%). The pooled gain in MIO following IACS injection was 4.38 mm (95% CI: 2.76–6.00), also with high heterogeneity (I² = 67%).ConclusionsThe results suggest that in children diagnosed with JIA with TMJ involvement, IACS injections can help in reducing reported pain and improving mouth opening capacity, albeit with an important variation between studies.     

功能矫治器复位可复性盘移位后颞下颌关节间隙的改变

目的:应用MRI定量分析功能矫治器在颞下颌关节(temporomandibular joint,TMJ) 可复性盘移位(disc displacement with reduction,DDWR)治疗中对关节间隙的影响,初步探讨间隙改变的实质及意义。方法:选择42例应用功能矫治器复位单侧DDWR 的Ⅱ类错畸形,以正常侧作为对照,在斜矢状MRI图像上,计算治疗前、后关节间隙指数(joint space index,JSI)的改变。定量测量功能矫治器治疗前(T1)、戴用功能矫治器初期(T2)和治疗结束(T3)后关节间隙的变化。采用SPSS16.0软件包对数据进行t检验。结果:T2与T1的平均间隔时间为3周(2周~1个月),T3与T1的平均间隔时间为9个月(6~14个月)。年龄小者治疗周期短。对DDWR患者,治疗前患侧JSI显著大于对照侧;治疗结束,患侧JSI与对照侧相似。表明在T1阶段患侧关节前间隙明显大于后间隙。在T2阶段,患侧前间隙减小,后上间隙明显增加。与T2比较,T3阶段关节前间隙变大,后上间隙明显变小。与T1相比,患侧治疗后前间隙变小,无显著差异;后上间隙变大,有显著差异。结论:DDWR患者通过矫形治疗前移下颌骨,复位关节盘,关节间隙分布更趋均匀。矫形治疗主要改变后上间隙,对前间隙影响较小。     

Comparison Between Betamethasone and Sodium Hyaluronate Combination with Betamethasone Alone After Arthrocentesis in the Treatment of Internal Derangement of TMJ—Using Single Puncture Technique: A Preliminary Study

Purpose

This study was designed to compare the intra-articular injection of betamethasone and sodium hyaluronate (combination) with betamethasone alone after arthrocentesis using single puncture technique into the upper joint space in the treatment of temporomandibular joint internal derangements.

Materials and Methods

Fourteen patients with internal derangement were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups (7 in each group). Arthrocentesis with single puncture technique of the upper joint space was then performed using ringer lactate under local anesthesia, followed by injection of either betamethasone and sodium hyaluronate combination or betamethasone alone into the joint. Clinical data was collected in the form of pain (visual analog scale), maximum mouth opening, and clicking sound before and after treatment up to 6 months.

Results

At the follow up of 6 months, there was statistically significant decrease in intensity of pain and increase in mouth opening was seen in betamethasone and sodium hyaluronate combination group compared to betamethasone alone group. Although there was statistically significant difference between the two groups when clicking was evaluated in the initial time interval (2nd post op day), on follow up of up to 6 months there was no statistically significant difference in clicking.

Conclusion

Although patients benefitted from both techniques, arthrocentesis with intra-articular injection of betamethasone and sodium hyaluronate combination is superior to arthrocentesis with betamethasone injection alone.     

糖皮质激素对关节腔灌洗治疗关节盘不可复性前移位疗效的影响

目的探讨关节腔灌洗后加糖皮质激素注射对治疗关节盘不可复性前移位的短期、长期疗效以及髁突骨质影像改变的影响。方法按照随机原则将90例颞下颌关节盘不可复性前移位患者分为对照组（44例）和试验组（46例）,对照组在关节腔灌洗后只注入生理盐水,试验组在关节腔灌洗后注入生理盐水与醋酸曲安奈德的混合液。治疗后3~4周（短期）和6个月（长期）复查,采用疼痛自评视觉模拟尺和Fricton颞下颌关节指数评价临床疗效,影像学评价髁突骨质的改变。对有疼痛主诉的患者同时记录治疗后1周每天睡前疼痛分值。结果1）治疗后1周,试验组疼痛减轻更显著（P<0.05）。2）2组患者治疗前后的临床体征和疼痛均有统计学差异（P<0.001）,2种治疗方法均能有效改善症状和体征,但2组之间各项指标的比较均无统计学差异。3）治疗后大多数患者的髁突骨质没有明显的变化。结论除炎症疼痛明显者外,关节腔灌洗治疗关节盘不可复性前移位不必再加激素注射。     

Clinical comparison between arthrocentesis and conventional conservative treatment with maxillomandibular fixation for unilateral high condylar fractures

This study aimed to compare the effects of arthrocentesis and conventional closed reduction for unilateral mandibular condyle fractures. A total of 30 patients with unilateral condylar fractures were evaluated. Patients with a high condylar fracture and magnetic resonance evidence of joint effusion (JE) were divided into two groups: those treated with intra‐articular irrigation and betamethasone injection (group I) and those given conservative treatment and rigid maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) (group II). All patients were assessed for mandibular range of motion (ROM), protrusive movements, lateral excursion movements on the fractured and non‐fractured sides, pain in the temporomandibular joint and malocclusion, both before and after treatment. There were no significant differences in regard to protrusion, lateral excursion movement and incidence of malocclusion at 12 months after treatment between the groups (P > 0·05). In group I, ROM and joint pain showed good improvement from the early stages of treatment, and those patients had better outcomes as compared to group II for those parameters at 1 and 3 months after injury. The present findings indicate that arthrocentesis may be more effective and provide faster healing than conventional closed reduction.     

A prospective evaluation of the effectiveness of temporomandibular joint arthroscopy

This is a prospective study to evaluate therapeutic arthroscopy for internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Fifty-nine patients with 76 abnormal joints were evaluated preoperatively for pain, noise, maximal incisal opening (MIO), and deviation on opening. Preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained for 29 joints. Patients were treated by superior joint arthroscopy, lysis of adhesions, lavage, and steroid injection, along with preoperative and postoperative splint and physiotherapy. Pain, noise, and motion were evaluated at three time periods: 1) early (10 to 30 days); 2) intermediate (1 to 6 months); and 3) late (greater than 6 months). At early, intermediate, and late follow-up, increase in MIO was statistically significant (P less than .05). Noise did not return in the majority of patients. Disc position, evaluated by MRI, did not appear to change in 25 of 29 joints and did not correlate with clinical outcome. The results of this study indicate that TMJ arthroscopy is effective in reducing pain and increasing motion in patients with TMJ internal derangement.     

2种不同牙合垫治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病的临床疗效分析

目的:对比分析稳定型牙合垫和再定位牙合垫对治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病的临床疗效。方法:对采用牙合垫治疗的32例颞下颌关节紊乱病患者进行随访分析,其中使用稳定型牙合垫治疗的病例18人,再定位牙合垫14人,对比分析2组患者在治疗前、治疗后、治疗后3个月、6个月、12个月时关节弹响、疼痛程度(VAS)的变化。结果:2组患者治疗后疼痛程度及关节弹响状况与术前比较均明显改善,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),两种牙合垫对关节弹响的治疗效果无显著性差异,稳定型牙合垫组患者治疗后及治疗后3个月、6个月、12个月时的VAS低于再定位牙合垫组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:2种牙合垫均可有效地治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病,再定位牙合垫主要用于治疗可复性关节盘前移位,稳定型牙合垫治疗关节疼痛的疗效优于再定位牙合垫。     

Comparison of treatment efficacy between hyaluronic acid and arthrocentesis plus hyaluronic acid in internal derangements of temporomandibular joint

The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid (HA) injection and arthrocentesis plus HA injection for treating disc displacement with reduction (DDwR) and disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR). In this randomized clinical trial, patients were divided into 2 main groups: group I (DDwR) and group II (DDwoR). Sub-groups were made depending on allocated treatment: group Ia (arthrocentesis plus HA), group Ib (single HA), group Ic (control), group IIa (arthrocentesis plus HA), group IIb (single HA), and group IIc (control). The primary outcome variable was maximum pain on chewing, while maximum pain at rest, maximum non-assisted and assisted mouth opening, chewing efficiency, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds, quality of life, treatment tolerability, and treatment effectiveness were secondary outcomes. The influences of individual study variables (gender, involved side, and duration of symptoms) on clinical outcomes were also examined. The study consisted of 116 TMJs of 90 patients (n = 45 in both main groups, TMJs = 58) aged 15–82 years. At the 6-month follow-up, improvement in all parameters, except for TMJ sounds, was recorded in all treatment groups, with no improvements in control groups. Notably, arthrocentesis plus HA showed superior improvement in chewing efficiency (p = 0.041) and quality of life (p = 0.047) of group I and quality of life (p = 0.004) in group II, compared to single HA. Furthermore, the duration of symptoms correlated with clinical outcomes. Both procedures successfully improved the symptoms of DDwR and DDwoR patients, but arthrocentesis plus HA injection seemed superior.     

Preliminary clinical study of Chinese standard alloplastic temporomandibular joint prosthesis

Purpose

To evaluate the preliminary clinical outcomes on the Chinese standard temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prostheses.

An arthroscopic technique for closure of perforations in temporomandibular joint retrodiscal tissues

The objective of this retrospective study was to introduce and evaluate an arthroscopic discopexy for closure of retrodiscal tissue perforations. A total of 112 patients (135 joints) receiving an arthroscopic discopexy for management of retrodiscal tissue perforations between January 2016 and September 2019 were included. Pre- and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and maximum inter-incisal opening (MIO), as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, were collected and analysed. Success was recorded when the disc position was >11 o’clock, VAS pain score <3, and MIO>25 mm. For patients with a condyle deformity, postoperative bone remodelling was also recorded. The VAS pain score decreased from 3.04 ± 2.66 preoperatively to 0.88 ± 1.13 at 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.001) and MIO increased from 33.90 ± 7.39 mm to 35.19 ± 6.14 mm (P = 0.029). MRI evaluation revealed that 133 discs were successfully repositioned back on top of the condyle. Among these, 11 joints were associated with either VAS pain score ≥3 or MIO ≤25 mm. Therefore, a success rate of 90.4% (122/135) was achieved at 12 months postoperative. Bone remodelling was detected in 72 joints. Arthroscopic discopexy is a minimally invasive and effective treatment for retrodiscal tissue perforations that achieves the purpose of simultaneously restoring the intra-articular structures and relieving clinical symptoms.     

Preliminary evaluation of histological changes found in a mechanical arthropatic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) exposed to an intra-articular Hyaluronic acid (HA) injection, in a rat model

Objective

This study investigates the histological effects of Hyaluronic acid injections in the treatment of induced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis in rats.

Study design

Twenty-four male Wister rats were subjected to induced mechanical osteoarthritis by manual hypermobility for 10 successive days. Animals were then divided into two groups; group I (control) and group II (experimental). Ten days after the induction of hypermobility, the right TMJ of the experimental animals was injected with a dose of 0.12 mg HA intra-articularly and 0.12 mg saline was injected into the left joint; while animals in the control group were left without any treatment. Two rats from group I were killed at one, two and six weeks; while 6 animals from group II were killed at one, two and four weeks post injection.

Results

The disk of the right joints in the experimental animals was of normal thickness and there was an increase in the thickness of the fibrocartilagenous layer. In the left joint; ulcerative changes in the disk were evident where the fibres were not well oriented and scalloped areas in the temporal bone area were present denoting osteoclastic activity.

Conclusions

Repeated intra-articular TMJ injection of Hyaluronic acid appears to be a safe and effective way of inhibiting the progression of osteoarthritic changes in the joint through development of articular cartilage and reducing fibrous tissue proliferation.