Predictive factors in temporomandibular joint arthroscopy: a prospective cohort short-term outcome study

Outcomes of bilateral temporomandibular joint arthroscopy: an international multicentric prospective study including 524 joints

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bilateral TMJ arthroscopy in patients with different Wilkes stages, comparing the results obtained in different arthroscopic levels on a larger scale, unifying similar populations.

METHODS

A multicentric prospective clinical study was conducted in three TMJ departments performing temporomandibular joint surgery in Portugal and Brazil, with an enrolling window active from January 1, 2019, to December 1, 2022. The primary clinical outcome was TMJ pain evaluated through a visual analogue scale. The secondary clinical outcome was the maximum mouth opening (MMO). TMJ arthroscopy was performed with a 1.9-mm arthroscope, including a video system with a 2.8-mm outer protective cannula.

RESULTS

262 patients, representing a total of 524 operated joints were enrolled. The mean age was 35.3 years. A significant decrease postoperatively in VAS pain was observed for all Wilkes stages. The lowest value of VAS pain was observed in Wilkes II compared to Wilkes III and IV. In the secondary outcome, MMO was observed to have a significant improvement in all Wilkes stages.

CONCLUSION

In this multicentric study, bilateral TMJ arthroscopy was shown to be an effective procedure to reduce pain and increase maximum mouth opening in patients with different Wilkes stages, representing a valid minimally invasive solution.

Synovial Matrix Remodeling and Inflammatory Profile in Disc Displacement of the Temporomandibular Joint: An Observational Case-Control Study

Background: Pain-related temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD) are a major public health problem, including the diagnoses of disc displacement (DD) with and without reduction (DDwR/DDwoR). Objectives: The study aimed to examine the matrix remodeling and the inflammatory profile in synovial tissues of patients with TMJ-DD, with a view to understand the pathophysiology, and to contribute to the development of tissue-based diagnostic criteria. Methods: This laboratory-based observational case-control study included 30 synovial tissue samples obtained from 30 patients, diagnosed with delayed (DO) or sudden (SO) onset of DDwoR, which were compared against the reference patient material, DDwR (n = 10/diagnosis group). Tissue samples were investigated histologically and via quantitative immunohistochemistry for a panel of antibodies targeted against extracellular matrix proteins and inflammatory markers. The data were analyzed using a generalized linear model with a gamma family distribution (p < 0.05). Results: Quantification of immunostaining revealed significant differences in the distribution of collagen type III (DO, p < 0.001), lumican (DO, p < 0.05), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (DO, p < 0.05), CD4 T-helper cells (DO, p < 0.01; SO, p < 0.001), and CD68 monocytic immune cells (both SO and DO, p < 0.001) in DDwoR groups compared to the reference patient material, DDwR. Conclusions: The observations confirmed differences in matrix remodeling and an increase in local inflammatory activity in the DDwoR diagnosis compared to the reference patient material, DDwR. The study highlighted the importance of synovial tissue characterization to unite micropathology and clinical findings, leading to more reliable diagnostic tools.

A review of the use of patient reported outcome measures (PROMS) in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery accounts for a significant number of patient episodes in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and treatment effectiveness is commonly assessed using measures of pain and mouth opening. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) enable assessment of the patient's perspective and perception of the diseases and treatment outcomes. The purpose of this review was to assess the use of PROMs in TMJ surgery. A review of 3 databases (PubMed, OVID, Trip) was carried out to assess the use of PROMs when reporting on TMJ surgical interventions. Studies were limited to the English language, involving humans and at least one surgical intervention of the TMJ. A total of 214 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, of which only 28 used 18 PROMs among them. Half of these PROMs were single-question visual analogue scales or Likert scales on quality of life and disability. The Oral Health Impact Profile and the Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index were the second most used (n = 3). PROMs were used most in studies on internal derangement (n = 9) and in cohort study designs (n = 26), but this was not statistically significant. In the majority of research on TMJ surgery, no PROMs are used, and when one is, there is a tendency to use weaker single-question PROMs as opposed to multi-question PROMs to assess outcomes. With the increasing importance of PROMs for assessing patients' perception of treatment outcomes, further research is needed to establish valid and reproducible PROMs for TMJ surgery.

Effectiveness of double-puncture temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis with viscosupplementation in different categories of severity - a prospective study

This 3-year prospective study evaluated the efficacy of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis with viscosupplementation in different severity stages based on the Dimitroulis classification (categories 2-4 were included). TMJ arthrocentesis was performed under local anaesthesia, and the protocol consisted of a double-puncture technique with lavage of ≥150 cc Ringer Lactate plus viscosupplementation. Incobotulinum toxin A was administered 10-15 days preoperatively in patients with concomitant masticatory myalgia. The primary outcome was TMJ pain, assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-10), and the secondary outcomes were the maximum mouth opening (MMO, mm) and myalgia degree (0-3). All outcomes were assessed on the intervention day (T0) and after the procedure (T1) (minimum 1 month and then 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and every year since). A total of 108 patients were enrolled (mean age of 43.1 ± 18.9 years); 86 (80%) were women and 22 (20%) were men. Preoperative pain was 4.02 ± 3.12 (mean ± SD), MMO was 38.10 ± 9.56 (mean ± SD) and myalgia degree was 1.80 ± 1.18 (mean ± SD). After an average of 215.4 days (31-1253 days), a statistically significant improvement of pain (P < 0.0001), MMO (P = 0.005) and myalgia degree (P < 0.0001) was observed. The overall successful outcome of TMJ arthrocentesis with viscosupplementation was 76%. The authors observed increased arthrocentesis effectiveness and success rate with viscosupplementation in Dimitroulis category 2 (88.6%) compared to 3-4 (71.4%). An association was found between arthrocentesis with viscosupplementation failure and painful myalgia (ρ = 0.477; P < 0.0001). Thirteen patients (12%) underwent a second TMJ intervention after finalising the present trial. With a low complication rate, TMJ arthrocentesis with viscosupplementation led to an overall benefit for all the included patients. This study reinforces the important role of minimally invasive TMJ arthrocentesis as a first treatment option, with better results in the early stages compared to more severe stages.

Bilateral arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint: clinical outcomes and the role of a second intervention-a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the efficacy of bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy in patients with different categories of severity based on Dimitroulis classification (categories 2-4) and the role of a second TMJ intervention in primary failure.

METHODS

A 3-year prospective study was designed, including patients submitted to bilateral TMJ arthroscopy. The primary outcome was TMJ pain (VAS, 0-10) and the secondary outcomes were the maximum mouth opening (MMO) and masticatory myalgia degree (0-3). In cases of symptomatic relapse, a second TMJ intervention was performed (TMJ arthrocentesis or TMJ open surgery).

RESULTS

Eighty patients (93.4% women) were enrolled, with a mean age of 32.40 ± 11.41 years. With an average follow-up of 523.7 days (34-1606), a statistically significant improvement in TMJ pain, MMO, and myalgia degree was observed (P < 0.0001). The overall successful outcome of one-single bilateral arthroscopy was ~ 69%. Twenty-two patients relapsed: (1) arthralgia (n = 15, 68.18%); (2) arthralgia + myalgia (n = 4, 18.18%); (3) dislocated disc without reduction (DDwoR) (n = 2, 9.09%); (4) DDwoR + osteoarthrosis (OA) (n = 1, 4.55%). Arthralgia was re-managed with TMJ arthrocentesis with local anesthesia (n = 19, 86.36%). New DDwoR with or without OA was re-treated with TMJ open surgery (n = 3, 13.64%). After the second intervention, the success rate increased to 85%.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral TMJ arthroscopy presented overall benefit in all parameters evaluated.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study highlights the importance of TMJ arthroscopy as the first line of treatment for moderate-severe temporomandibular disorders cases contributing to the reduction of TMJ open surgeries. In cases of arthroscopy unsuccess, TMJ arthrocentesis under local anesthesia was an effective and safe intervention for patients with recurrent TMJ arthralgia.

Outcomes of IncobotulinumtoxinA Injection on Myalgia and Arthralgia in Patients Undergoing Temporomandibular Joint Arthroscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Several studies have considered Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A injections effective in treating temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) symptoms. A double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial investigated the benefit of complementary incobotulinumtoxinA (inco-BoNT/A) injections in the masticatory muscles of patients submitted to bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with TMD and an indication for bilateral TMJ arthroscopy were randomized into inco-BoNT/A (Xeomin, 100 U) or placebo groups (saline solution). Injections were carried out five days before TMJ arthroscopy. The primary outcome variable was a Visual Analogue Scale for TMJ arthralgia, and secondary outcomes were the myalgia degree, maximum mouth opening, and joint clicks. All outcome variables were assessed preoperatively (T0) and postoperatively (T1-week 5; T2-6-month follow-up).

RESULTS

At T1, the outcomes in the inco-BoNT/A group were improved, but not significantly more than in the placebo group. At T2, significant improvements in the TMJ arthralgia and myalgia scores were observed in the inco-BoNT/A group compared to the placebo. A higher number of postoperative reinterventions with further TMJ treatments were observed in the placebo group compared to inco-BoNT/A (63% vs. 14%).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients submitted to TMJ arthroscopy, statistically significant long-term differences were observed between the placebo and inco-BoNT/A groups.

Methods improvement for diagnostics and treatment of inflammatory diseases in the temporomandibular joint

Purpose

The article subject relevance is conditioned by poor knowledge of the aetiology and pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases in this area. The purpose of this study was to identify the most rational approach to solving the issues of improving methods for treating arthritis and arthrosis.

Methods

The leading approach was the combination of the analysis results concerning the clinical examination of dental patients of various age groups with the logical construction of conclusions drawn from the research results. The paper presented the clinical examination data of patients with TMJ pathologies of various age groups and described the methods of their treatment.

Results

The results include the main effective methods identification for the diagnostics and treatment of inflammatory diseases in the temporomandibular joint and the main prospects for improving these methods in the future, with the aim of a general expansion of ideas regarding the possibilities of diagnostics and treatment of such diseases.

Conclusion

The study value lies in the possibility of using its results in practical dentistry to bring practical improvements to the currently available methods for diagnostics and treatment of inflammatory TMJ diseases.

Cytokines in temporomandibular joint synovial fluid and tissue in relation to inflammation

BACKGROUND

Synovial tissue is known to be the origin of inflammation in joint disease. Despite this, synovial fluid is the main biological specimen of choice in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation and pathology biomarker research. No comparison of TMJ protein content between synovial fluid and synovial tissue has been made.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate if cytokine concentrations in synovial fluid can be related to cytokine concentrations in synovial tissue, and to analyse correlation of clinical parameters reflecting local inflammation to cytokine concentrations.

METHODS

Synovial tissue and fluid samples were obtained during the same surgical procedure from a cohort of 101 patients with TMJ disorders. Interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were analysed in the samples and an intraindividual correlation made. Various patient-specific factors relating to TMJ inflammation were associated to the cytokine concentrations in synovial fluid and tissue.

RESULTS

No correlation between cytokine concentration in synovial fluid and synovial tissue was found, except for IL-8 (ρ=.284, P=.024). Synovial tissue cytokines correlated strongly to inflammation-related factors: diagnosis (IL-1β, P=.001; TNF-α, P=.000; IL-10, P=.000), TMJ palpation pain (IL-1β, P=.024; TNF-α, P=.025), synovitis score (IL-1β, P=.015), and subjective TMJ pain (TNF-α, P=.016). Synovial fluid cytokines showed no significant relations to inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

The investigated cytokine concentrations showed weak correlations between synovial fluid and synovial tissue, besides IL-8. Synovial tissue appeared to reflect inflammation to a higher extent than synovial fluid. Thus, suggesting that synovial tissue research should complement synovial fluid in future explorations of TMJ pathology and inflammation.

Prognostic indicators of arthroscopic discopexy for management of temporomandibular joint closed lock

In order to optimize patient selection for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopic discopexy to achieve favorable outcomes, prognostic indicators impacting the results are important to analyze. This longitudinal retrospective study aimed to analyze various prognostic factors impacting surgical outcomes following arthroscopic discopexy for management of TMJ closed lock using success criteria based on pain, maximal interincisal opening, diet, and quality of life. Furthermore, a quantitative MRI assessment was performed pre- and post-operatively. Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate various prognostic variables including gender, age, side, duration of illness, Wilkes staging, parafunctional habits, splint therapy and orthodontic treatment. A total of 147 patients (201 joints) were included. The outcome was categorized as excellent (n = 154/76.61%), good (n = 34/16.91%), or poor (n = 13/6.46%) with a success rate of 93.54%. Patients aged > 30 years old (p = 0.048), longer duration of illness (12–24 months: p = 0.034) and (> 24 months: p = 0.022), and patients with Wilkes stage IV (p = 0.002) were all significantly more likely to be in the poor outcome group. Finally, orthodontic treatment showed a significant association with excellent outcomes (p = 0.015). Age, duration of illness, Wilkes staging, and orthodontic treatment are considered significant prognostic factors that can predict the outcomes following the arthroscopic discopexy for management of TMJ closed lock.

Correlation of MRI and arthroscopic findings with clinical outcome in temporomandibular joint disorders: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool and treatment strategy in patients suffering from temporomandibular disorders (TMD) when conservative treatment fails. This study aimed to find specific variables on pre-operative MRI or during arthroscopy that could predict success of arthroscopic lysis and lavage.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis compared pre-operative maximum interincisal opening (MIO), pain and main complaint (pain, limited MIO or joint sounds) with results at short-term and medium-term follow-up (ST and MT respectively). Different variables scored on MRI or arthroscopy were used to make a stepwise regression model, subsequently a combined analysis was conducted using variables from both MRI and arthroscopy.

RESULTS

A total of 47 patients (50 joints) met the inclusion criteria. The main complaint improved by 62 and 53% at ST and MT respectively. The absolute or probable absence of a crumpled disc scored on MRI predicted success at ST and MT (p = 0.0112 and p = 0.0054), and remained significant at MT in the combined analysis (p = 0.0078). Arthroscopic findings of degenerative joint disease predicted success at ST (p = 0.0178), absolute or probable absence of discal reduction scored during arthroscopy significantly predicted success in the combined analysis at ST (p = 0.0474).

CONCLUSION

To improve selection criteria for patients undergoing an arthroscopic lysis and lavage of the TMJ, future research might focus on variables visualized on MRI. Although more research is needed, disc shape and in particular the absolute or probable absence of a crumpled disc might be used as predictive variable for success.

Synovial Tissue Proteins and Patient-Specific Variables as Predictive Factors for Temporomandibular Joint Surgery

Our knowledge of synovial tissues in patients that are scheduled for surgery as a result of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders is limited. Characterising the protein profile, as well as mapping clinical preoperative variables, might increase our understanding of pathogenesis and forecast surgical outcome. A cohort of 100 patients with either disc displacement, osteoarthritis, or chronic inflammatory arthritis (CIA) was prospectively investigated for a set of preoperative clinical variables. During surgery, a synovial tissue biopsy was sampled and analysed via multi-analytic profiling. The surgical outcome was classified according to a predefined set of outcome criteria six months postoperatively. Higher concentrations of interleukin 8 (p = 0.049), matrix metalloproteinase 7 (p = 0.038), lumican (p = 0.037), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (p = 0.015) were significantly related to an inferior surgical outcome. Several other proteins, which were not described earlier in the TMJ synovia, were detected but not related to surgical outcome. Bilateral masticatory muscle palpation pain had strong association to a poor outcome that was related to the diagnoses disc displacement and osteoarthritis. CIA and the patient-reported variable TMJ disability might be related to an unfavourable outcome according to the multivariate model. These findings of surgical predictors show potential in aiding clinical decision-making and they might enhance the understanding of aetiopathogenesis in TMJ disorders.