Short Term Effects of Single Puncture Arthrocentesis Procedure in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Objective: arthrocentesis is an irrigation procedure of upper joint space to eliminate inflammation, and joint movement restriction. the aim of this study is to present the short term clinical effects of single puncture arthrocentesis as initial treatment with regard to temporomandibular joint pain and mandibular movement.material-method: this study has been conducted on 40 patients over the age of 18. the patients who were attended with the complaint of temporomandibular joint disorder has been evaluated with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings. the patients that was decided arthrocentesis indication included in the study. before the arthrocentesis the mandibular movement measurements has been performed and pain has been evaluated with visual anlogue scale. clinical follow up has been performed one day and one week after the procedure by repeating the measurements. the clinical findings between before and after the procedure has been evaluted and statistically analised.results: after one week, the temporomandibular joint pain (mm vas at rest, and mm vas during movement) had decreased rapidly and maximum mouth opening (mm interincisor distance) had improved from 32.4 mm to 38.78 mm (p=0.001).conclusions: arthrocentesis as initial treatment reduces pain and restrict of mandibular movement more rapidly. in patients with acute pain and limitation of mandibular movement, arthrocentesis may be performed as the initial procedure after symptoms are diagnosed as originating from internal derangements in temporomandibular joint.