Prospective assessment of outcomes following disposable arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common cause of chronic facial pain that is often treated successfully without operation, but when no improvement is seen arthroscopy may be considered as a therapeutic and diagnostic tool. We prospectively assessed the outcome of 115 arthroscopic procedures to assess the effectiveness and reliability of a 1.2 mm disposable arthroscope (OnPoint™, Biomet Microfixation, Jacksonville, USA). All patients included had not improved after standard conservative management. Discharge from clinic was classed as a successful outcome. Measurements taken before, during, and after operation included mouth opening and lateral deviations (mm). Pain was assessed before and after operation using a 10 cm visual analogue scale. Mean improvement in pain scores was 69% and in mouth opening was 19%, and overall success was 76%. Compared with a previous study using a 1.9 mm scope there were fewer complications after arthroscopy with the small diameter scope.     

Can arthrocentesis release intracapsular adhesions? Arthroscopic findings before and after irrigation under sufficient hydraulic pressure.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of release of intra-articular adhesions of arthrocentesis, we examined patients with closed lock of the temporomandibular joint by arthroscopy before and after irrigation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 6 closed lock cases in which adhesions in the upper joint space were observed by arthroscopy before arthrocentesis, arthroscopic examination was performed again to confirm whether the adhesion was released after the procedure. Range of mouth opening and joint pain were examined to determine the clinical efficiency of the procedure. RESULTS: Adhesion was not released by irrigation under low pressure but could be released by irrigation under high pressure. After irrigation under low and high pressure, the maximum mouth opening of the patients improved from 0 to 1 mm (average, 0.3 mm) and 2 to 6 mm (average, 3.7 mm), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that arthrocentesis with sufficient pressure could be effective for closed lock cases with adhesions in the upper joint compartment.     

Retrospective comparison of autogenous cosotochondral graft and coronoid process graft in the management of unilateral ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint in adults

We retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes of autogenous coronoid process grafts (n = 32) and costochondral grafts (n = 28) in condylar reconstruction for the treatment of unilateral ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in adults. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included diet scores, cone-beam computed tomography (CT), maximal interincisal opening, lateral excursion, and mandibular deviation on opening the mouth. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the measurements before and after the operation with respect to incisal opening, lateral excursion, mandibular deviation, diet scores, or recurrence rate, but in both the postoperative incisal opening, lateral excursion, and diet scores had improved significantly compared with preoperatively. After costochondral graft 3 patients developed intraoperative plural tears, and 6 had temporary pain at the donor site. The frontal branch of the facial nerve was temporarily affected in 5 patients after costochondral graft and 3 after coronoid process grafts, all of which recovered in 3–6 months. There was no recurrence after coronoid process grafting, and one after costochondral grafting. The clinical outcomes in both groups were satisfactory and comparable. Autogenous coronoid process grafting may therefore be a good alternative for condylar reconstruction in patients with ankylosis of the TMJ.     

Outcome of eminectomy combined with discectomy and silastic interpositional graft for temporomandibular joint dysfunction: a retrospective study of 20 years

Internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is usually treated conservatively, but about 5% require surgical treatment. We designed a retrospective study to assess the long-term outcomes of eminectomy combined with discectomy and silastic interpositional graft in 44 patients who had chronic TMJ dysfunction that had not responded to traditional conservative treatment and arthrocentesis. The maximum mouth opening, pain score, Wilkes stage, and clinical dysfunction index were measured before, and two years after, operation. All the patients showed significant improvement in mouth opening and reduced pain scores (p < 0.0001 in each case). There were no long-term operative complications, and postoperative magnetic resonance scans showed that the silastic interpositional graft was in a stable position with no evidence of degenerative changes on the surfaces of the joint and no lymphadenopathy.     

Closed lock (MRI fixed disc): a comparison of arthrocentesis and arthroscopy

Twenty-six patients with a sudden-onset of persistent limited mouth opening and with MRI signs of articular discs fixed to the glenoid fossa were studied. After unsuccessful non-surgical treatment, arthroscopy with sodium hyaluronate infusion was performed in 16 joints. Follow-up ranged from 24 to 60 months (mean: 30.3 months). All patients were clinically assessed preoperatively, and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months postoperatively. The clinical variables analysed were: joint pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS) (1-15), joint noises (clicking, crepitus or none), history of locking, duration of the symptoms, maximal interincisal opening (MIO), maximal protrusive movement (MP) and maximal contra-lateral movement (ML). MRI images were obtained preoperatively to analyse the morphological and dynamic characteristics of the temporomandibular joint. Eight of the patients who refused to undergo arthroscopy were treated with arthrocentesis. These patients were studied following the same criteria as stated above. Mean age of the group was 24.3 years (16-35 years). 20 patients were female and 6 male. The preop-MRI examination revealed a normal disc position in 16 joints and an anteriorly displaced disc in 10 cases. All of the discs were fixed to the glenoid fossa preventing an anterior translation of the condylar head. After non-surgical treatment only two patients improved while all the other patients showed a severe decrease in the MIO (mean 23.3 +/- 2.2 mm), LM (3.8 +/- 1.4) and a high pain level (9.7 scale). Sixteen patients underwent arthroscopy. A significant reduction in pain was noted after arthroscopy. Furthermore, a significant increase in MMO and LM was demonstrated postoperatively. Arthroscopic findings included the presence of adherences and synovitis. Eight patients who refused arthroscopy were treated with TMJ arthrocentesis. All such patients improved their symptoms postoperatively. In conclusion both TMJ arthroscopy and arthrocentesis give good results upon treating patients with anchored disc phenomenon (ADP).     

Relationship between effectiveness of arthrocentesis under sufficient pressure and conditions of the temporomandibular joint.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the conditions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) relative to the effectiveness of arthrocentesis under sufficient hydraulic pressure in patients with chronic closed lock. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed arthroscopic examination and arthrocentesis as an initial treatment in 65 closed lock cases (65 joints). Changes in maximum mouth opening and joint pain were examined to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. With respect to the conditions of the TMJ before treatment, we examined the range of maximum mouth opening, joint pain at mouth opening, degrees of disc deformity and bone change evident with magnetic resonance imaging, and the degrees of synovitis, cartilage changes, and adhesion in the upper joint space evident from arthroscopic findings. These factors were statistically analyzed by using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Two months after treatment the maximum mouth opening of the patients increased by an average of 9.8 mm (range, 0 to 28 mm). Joint pain at opening mouth improved an average of 64.2% (range, 0 to 100%). A significant inverse correlation was found between the extent of improvement in maximum mouth opening after treatment and the initial maximum mouth opening before treatment. There was no significant correlation between improvement of joint pain and conditions of the TMJ. CONCLUSION: Pathologic conditions of the TMJ did not have an influence on the efficacy of arthrocentesis under sufficient pressure. This result suggests that this procedure has wider application than arthrocentesis under low pressure.     

Vertiginous crisis following temporomandibular joint athrocentesis: a case report

Temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis and arthroscopy have recently exceeded open surgeries for disorders that failed to respond to conservative treatment. The efficacy of arthrocentesis in reestablishing normal mouth opening and reducing pain and dysfunctions is now commonly accepted, but in contrast to arthroscopy, there are no large series studies on arthrocentesis complications. We report the major complication occurred in our experience: a case of a patient that complained of a violent vertigo, without hearing disorders, following the procedure.     

The next step in the treatment of persistent temporomandibular joint pain following arthrocentesis: A retrospective study of 18 cases

Temporomandibular joint disorders affect a big portion of the population. There are a variety of treatment methods currently in use. Conservative treatment modalities are followed by more invasive approaches like arthrocentesis or arthroscopy. The aim of the study is to compare the effects of intra-articular tenoxicam injection and arthrocentesis plus viscosupplementation on patients in which a previous arthrocentesis plus viscosupplementation has failed to relieve pain and restore function. The study group consists of 18 TMJs in 16 patients (15 female and 1 male) and the patients were randomly divided into two groups as the arthrocentesis plus viscosupplementation group (n: 8) and tenoxicam injection (n: 10). 20 mg of tenoxicam was injected to the upper compartments of 10 joints without arthrocentesis. The other 8 joints were treated with a second arthrocentesis and sodium hyaluronate injection. VAS scores and maximum mouth opening with and without assistance were recorded in the post operative first week, first month and third month. The results show that there is little benefit in using relatively conservative methods once an arthrocentesis together with viscosupplementation has failed to relieve the patients pain. It is concluded that more invasive procedures should be considered for the patients who do not benefit from arthrocentesis.     

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。     

Outcomes of open temporomandibular joint surgery following failure to improve after arthroscopy: is there an algorithm for success?

We reviewed the results of one surgeon's experience of open surgical management of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients who fail to respond to arthroscopy and aimed to identify groups of patients that may or may not benefit from the intervention. Over a 7-year period (2005–2012) we retrospectively collected data from the medical notes of patients who underwent discectomy, disc plication, eminectomy, eminoplasty, and adhesiolysis, according to the clinical findings for joint pain, restriction, and locking. A total of 22 patients (71%) reported improvement in pain score and 19 (61%) reported an improvement in mouth opening 12 months postoperatively. Overall, 12 patients (39%) ultimately needed TMJ replacement. This group included 5/6 patients in Wilkes’ stage IV and 6/15 in stage V, 5/7 patients with a preoperative pain score of 90–100, and half of those with preoperative mouth opening of 20–29 mm (7/14). Open surgical management of the TMJ can benefit patients despite the previous failure of arthroscopy to manage pain, restriction, and locking. Arthroscopy seems to reduce the percentage of patients that need open TMJ surgery, but also the success of subsequent operations compared with previous studies. TMJ replacement is increasingly being done successfully to treat end-stage disease. These results may be used when obtaining a patient's consent for open TMJ surgery, particularly if they are in the groups considered to have a high risk of subsequently requiring a replacement joint.     

颞颌关节内窥镜治疗效果的评价

作者对经内窥镜诊治的61例患者手术前、后的张口度、疼痛、关节绞锁、咀嚼功能受限、耳痛、头痛等症状作了对比研究,结果表明:内窥镜治疗对改善上述五种症状的疗效明显,有效率达77％,远期疗效较好,这可能与应用生理盐水加压清除囊内炎性渗出物,分离粘连及盘复位操作等有关。该手术操作简单、诊断准确,对关节内病变能进行直接治疗,并发症少而轻。适应于保守治疗无效的器质性颞颌关节紊乱患者,术后宜配合理疗及(牙合)的治疗。     

Intra-articular injection of tenoxicam following temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis: a pilot study

This study examined the clinical and radiological effects of intra-articular tenoxicam injection following arthrocentesis and compared them with arthrocentesis alone in patients with disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR). 24 temporomandibular joints (TMJs) in 21 patients with DDwoR were studied. Patients were divided randomly into Group A in which only arthrocentesis was performed (14 TMJs in 14 patients) and Group AT which received arthrocentesis plus intra-articular injection of tenoxicam (10 TMJs in 7 patients). Patients were evaluated before the procedure, on postoperative day 7, then 2, 3, 4 weeks, and 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 months postoperatively. Intensity of joint pain was assessed using a visual analog scale. Maximum mouth opening was recorded at each follow-up. TMJ sounds and palpation scores were noted as positive or negative. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed before and 6 months after treatment in both groups. Disc form, disc location during neutral position, reduction with movement, joint effusion, structures of the articular surfaces, and bone marrow anomalies were evaluated all in MRIs. Both treatments succesfully increased maximum mouth opening and reduced TMJ pain; there were no complications. Difference between the groups was not statistically significant and a larger controlled study is necessary to clarify this use of tenoxicam.     

Efficacy of temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis with and without injection of sodium hyaluronate in treatment of internal derangements.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of arthrocentesis with and without injection of sodium hyaluronate (SH) into the upper joint space in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangements. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-one TMJs in 5 males and 26 females aged 14 to 53 years comprised the study material. The patients' complaints were limited mouth opening, TMJ pain and tenderness, and joint noises during function. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups in which only arthrocentesis was performed in 1 group and arthrocentesis plus intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate was performed in the other group. Both groups contained patients with disc displacement with reduction and with closed lock. Clinical evaluation of the patients was done before the procedure, immediately after the procedure, on postoperative day 1, and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. Intensity of TMJ pain, jaw function, and clicking sounds in the TMJ were assessed using visual analog scales. Maximal mouth opening and lateral jaw movements also were recorded at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: Both techniques increased maximal mouth opening, lateral movements, and function, while reducing TMJ pain and noise. CONCLUSIONS: Although patients benefitted from both techniques, arthrocentesis with injection of SH seemed to be superior to arthrocentesis alone.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing arthrocentesis with conservative management for painful temporomandibular joint disorder

The aim of this study was to determine whether arthrocentesis is superior to conservative treatment in the management of painful temporomandibular joint disorders with restricted opening. A systematic review was undertaken of prospective randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing arthrocentesis to conservative management, identified in the MEDLINE and PubMed databases. Inclusion criteria included a 6-month follow-up, with clinical assessment of the patients and painful restricted mouth opening. Data extracted included pain measured on a visual analogue scale and maximum mouth opening measured in millimetres. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2 for RCTs, and a meta-analysis with the random-effects model was undertaken. Of 879 records retrieved, seven met the inclusion criteria; these RCTs reported the results at 6 months for 448 patients. One study had a low risk of bias, four studies had an uncertain risk, and two had a high risk of bias. In the meta-analysis, arthrocentesis was statistically superior to conservative management at 6 months for an increase in maximum mouth opening (1.12 mm, 95% confidence interval 0.45–1.78 mm; P = 0.001; I² = 87%) and borderline superior for pain reduction (−1.09 cm, 95% confidence interval −2.19 to 0.01 cm; P = 0.05; I² = 100%). However, these differences are unlikely to be clinically relevant.     

Clinical outcomes of patients with bilateral anterior disc displacement without reduction and erosive change of the temporomandibular joint after performance of unilateral arthrocentesis and stabilisation splint therapy

The efficacy of a combination treatment of arthrocentesis and stabilisation splint for patients with bilateral anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWoR) and erosive change of the TMJ remains controversial. To evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with ADDWoR and erosive change of the TMJ after performance of unilateral arthrocentesis and stabilisation splint therapy. A retrospective study of 44 patients (37 females, 7 males, mean age of 34 years) with bilateral ADDWoR and erosive change of the TMJ were included in this study. Their clinical outcomes before and after arthrocentesis and stabilisation splint therapy were compared. Evaluation criteria were as follows: (a) Maximal mouth opening (MMO); (b) Right and left maximal lateral movement (RLM, LLM) and maximal protrusive movement (PM); (c) Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score during MMO, RLM, LLM and PM; and (d) VAS pain score during palpation of masticatory muscles. Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Mc Nemar test and paired t test were used for statistical analysis. Differences in VAS pain score between arthrocentesis and non-arthrocentesis sites were not statistically significant except MMO and LLM (P < .05) after 6 months. Differences in mean VAS pain scores for all variables between before arthrocentesis and 6 months follow-up in the arthrocentesis site were statistically significant. (P < .01). Unilateral arthrocentesis on more symptomatic TMJ and subsequent stabilisation splint therapy was highly successful for pain and achievement of normal range of mandibular movements in patients with both ADDWoR and bony change.     

三种方法治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病的疗效比较

目的　比较关节灌洗、关节镜和关节开放手术 3种方法治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病的临床效果。方法　应用 3种方法治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病 :关节灌洗术治疗 35例 (42侧关节 ) ,关节镜术治疗 4 2例 (5 0侧关节 ) ,关节开放手术治疗 2 8例 (2 9侧关节 ) ,并对 3种方法的疗效进行比较。结果　关节灌洗组随访 2 4～ 5 2个月 ,术后张口度平均增加 (8.1± 3.9)mm ,健侧侧向运动增加 (3.8± 1.4 )mm ,85 .7%患者疼痛缓解 ,72 .2 %杂音消失 ,总有效率为 82 .9%。关节镜组随访 2 4～ 5 6个月 ,张口度平均增加 (7.5± 3.8)mm ,健侧侧向运动增加 (4.1± 1.8)mm ,88.1%患者疼痛缓解 ,79.2 %杂音消失 ,总有效率为 85 .7%。关节开放手术组 ,随访 2 4～ 5 5个月 ,术后张口度平均增加 (8.0± 5 .1)mm ,健侧侧向运动增加 (3.7± 2 .3)mm ,92 .9%患者疼痛缓解 ,总有效率为 89 3%。 3组比较 ,张口度、侧向运动改善及疼痛缓解率均无显著差异。结论　关节灌洗术、关节镜术和关节开放手术治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病均有效 ,但关节灌洗术方法简单、损伤小 ,易于推广应用。首先应选择手术创伤小的治疗方法 ,最后才选择开放手术。     

自体肋软骨和自体喙突移植在成人单侧颞颌关节强直治疗中的临床效果比较

目的：比较成人单侧颞颌关节强直髁突重建中自体喙突移植和肋软骨移植的临床效果。方法：选取32例自体喙突移植和28例自体肋软骨移植重建髁突的颞下颌关节强直病例,对其术前和术后的饮食分数、最大张口度、侧向运动、开口型偏斜、CT扫描影像学等方面进行评价。结果：两组患者的关节强直治疗均取得满意效果。在饮食分数、张口度、侧向运动、开口型偏斜和复发率等术前及术后的测量值中,两组间差异无统计学意义（P>0．05）,但两组病例中术后张口度、侧向运动及饮食分数均较术前有显著改善。肋软骨移植术中有3例患者出现了胸膜撕裂,6例患者出现了移植骨供区的暂时性疼痛。肋软骨移植及喙突移植术后分别有5例和3例患者的面神经颞支受到了损伤,3－6月内康复。喙突移植组中无关节强直复发,肋软骨移植组中有1例复发。结论：在颞下颌关节强直矫治中,自体喙突移植是一种较好的髁突重建骨移植材料。     

Efficacy of Temporomandibular Joint Arthrocentesis with Sodium Hyaluronate in the Management of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Prospective Randomized Control Trial

Purpose

This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of the temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis with and without injection of sodium hyaluronate (SH) in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.

Patients and Methods

A total of sixty two TMJs in 34 males and 28 females aged 20–65 years comprised the study material. The patients’ complaints were limited mouth opening, TMJ pain, and joint noises during function. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups in which arthrocentesis plus intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate was performed in 1 group and only arthrocentesis was performed in the other group. Both groups contained patients with disc displacement with reduction and without reduction. Clinical evaluation of the patients was done before the procedure, immediately after the procedure, at 1 week and 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Intensity of TMJ pain was assessed using visual analog scales. Maximal mouth opening and lateral jaw movements also were recorded at each follow-up visit.

Results

Both techniques increased maximal mouth opening, lateral movements, and function, while reducing TMJ pain and noise.

Conclusions

Although patients benefitted from both techniques, arthrocentesis with injection of SH seemed to be superior to arthrocentesis alone.

     

Improvement of pain and function after arthroscopy and arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint: a comparative study.

In 1993 and 1994, 720 patients with pain in the temporo-mandibular joint area were examined and treated. The authors describe their therapeutic protocol. Sixty-two patients were not relieved by conservative nonsurgical therapy and were treated by arthroscopy or arthrocentesis. In both groups the differences in functional result and in pain control were analysed. Results show that both arthroscopy and lavage are useful in improving function and diminishing pain. Arthroscopy shows better results for functional treatment whereas arthrocentesis and arthroscopy show similar results in pain control.     

Internal Derangement of Temporomandibular Joint: An Evaluation of Effect of Corticosteroid Injection Compared with Injection of Sodium Hyaluronate after Arthrocentesis

Aims and Objectives

Internal derangements are the commonest disorders of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Different treatment modalities including conservative and surgical methods have been proposed to treat the same. Arthrocentesis is gaining popularity in the treatment of internal derangement of TMJ. Being minimally invasive it does not have the demerits of surgical approaches and at the same time is producing better results than conservative approaches. This study evaluates and compares corticosteroid and sodium hyaluronate after arthrocentesis in the treatment of internal derangement of TMJ.

Materials and Methods

Sixteen patients with internal derangement were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups (8 in each group). Arthrocentesis of the upper joint space was then performed using Ringer lactate under local anaesthesia followed by injection of either betamethasone or sodium hyaluronate into the joint. Clinical data was collected in the form of pain (visual analog scale), maximum mouth opening, joint sound and deviation before and after treatment up to 6 months.

Results

Both groups of patients were benefited from the treatment at the 6 month follow up and there was slightly less intensity of pain in sodium hyaluronate group compared with corticosteroid group. Maximum mouth opening was also increased in both groups. A decrease in clicking and deviation were seen in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between betamethasone and sodium hyaluronate.

Conclusion

Intra articular injection of corticosteroid or sodium hyaluronate after arthrocentesis had considerable effect on the TMJ. Both betamethasone and sodium hyaluronate can be used after arthrocentesis with similar results.