J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg.  1997 Nov;23(4):673-678.

A CLINICAL STUDY ON TMJ ARTHROCENTESIS

• Kim SG
• Yeo HH
• Kim YK
• Kang DW

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to access the effect of TMJ arthrocentesis in locking 8 patients with anterior distal displacement without reduction ( 'closed lock' ). TMJ Arthrocentesis was defined as needle puncture of the joint space and usually combined with lavage. After lavage, the mandible is gently manipulated to evaluate the movement. Arthrocentesis with irrigation has been used successfully with few complications and low morbidity. Postoperative therapy requires repetitive opening and excursive exercises to maintain and improve the function. The mean follow-up period was 17.1 months(range, 8 to 30months). Preoperative and postoperative mean maximal interincisal opening(MIO) was 25.4mm preoperatively and 39.8mm postoperatively. The pain was reduced in 7 out of 8(87.5%) patients with limited mouth opening. The result of this study indicate that TMJ arthrocentesis is an effective means of controlling pain and improving jaw movement in patients with closed lock.

MeSH Terms

Exercise
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Jaw
Joints
Mandible
Mouth
Needles
Punctures
Temporomandibular Joint*
Therapeutic Irrigation