Chondrotoxic effects of intra-articular injection of local anaesthetics in the rabbit temporomandibular joint

Chondrotoxicity of Intra-Articular Injection Treatment: A Scoping Review

The purpose of this scoping review was to identify possible chondrotoxic effects caused by drugs usually used for intra-articular injections. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane were searched. Inclusion criteria required randomized controlled trials written in English that evaluate the toxic effect that damages the cartilage. The literature search resulted in 185 unique articles. 133 full-text articles were screened for inclusion, of which 65 were included. Corticosteroids, with the exception of triamcinolone, along with local anaesthetics, potentially excluding ropivacaine and liposomal bupivacaine, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, exhibited insufficient safety profiles to warrant casual use in clinical settings. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, appears to demonstrate safety while also mitigating risks associated with concurrent compounds, thereby facilitating therapeutic combinations. Additionally, there remains a paucity of data regarding platelet-rich plasma, necessitating further evaluation of its potential efficacy and safety. Overall, it seems that results are significantly influenced by the dosage and frequency of injections administered, observed in both human and animal studies.

SSR white paper: guidelines for utilization and performance of direct MR arthrography

OBJECTIVE

Direct magnetic resonance arthrography (dMRA) is often considered the most accurate imaging modality for the evaluation of intra-articular structures, but utilization and performance vary widely without consensus. The purpose of this white paper is to develop consensus recommendations on behalf of the Society of Skeletal Radiology (SSR) based on published literature and expert opinion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Standards and Guidelines Committee of the SSR identified guidelines for utilization and performance of dMRA as an important topic for study and invited all SSR members with expertise and interest to volunteer for the white paper panel. This panel was tasked with determining an outline, reviewing the relevant literature, preparing a written document summarizing the issues and controversies, and providing recommendations.

RESULTS

Twelve SSR members with expertise in dMRA formed the ad hoc white paper authorship committee. The published literature on dMRA was reviewed and summarized, focusing on clinical indications, technical considerations, safety, imaging protocols, complications, controversies, and gaps in knowledge. Recommendations for the utilization and performance of dMRA in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle/foot regions were developed in group consensus.

CONCLUSION

Although direct MR arthrography has been previously used for a wide variety of clinical indications, the authorship panel recommends more selective application of this minimally invasive procedure. At present, direct MR arthrography remains an important procedure in the armamentarium of the musculoskeletal radiologist and is especially valuable when conventional MRI is indeterminant or results are discrepant with clinical evaluation.

Intra-Articular Local Anesthetics in Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of local anesthetic administration into temporomandibular joint cavities in relieving pain and increasing mandibular mobility. Randomized controlled trials were included with no limitation on report publication dates. Final searches were performed on 15 October 2023, using engines provided by the US National Library, Bielefeld University, and Elsevier Publishing House. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Articular pain and mandible abduction values and their mean differences were summarized in tables and graphs. Eight studies on a total of 252 patients evaluating intra-articular administration of articaine, bupivacaine, lidocaine, and mepivacaine were included in the systematic review. None of the eligible studies presented a high risk of bias in any of the assessed domains. An analgesic effect of intra-articular bupivacaine was observed for up to 24 h. In the long-term follow-up, there were no statistically significant changes in quantified pain compared to both the baseline value and the placebo group, regardless of the anesthetic used (articaine, bupivacaine, and lidocaine). There is no scientific evidence on the effect of intra-articular administration of local anesthesia on the range of motion of the mandible. Therefore, in the current state of knowledge, the administration of local anesthetics into the temporomandibular joint cavities can only be considered as a short-term pain relief measure.