Techniques and modifications for TMJ arthrocentesis: A literature review

Temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis guided by ultrasonography: An anatomical study

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis is a common procedure in maxillofacial surgery departments for the treatment of TMJ dysfunction. The use of ultrasonography in this area is rare, and in the vast majority of cases only as a diagnostic, and non-therapeutic use. Through this study we propose the equipment and ultrasound parameters necessary to obtain detailed and practical images when using ultrasonography as a therapeutic guide in arthrocentesis of TMJ. In addition, we provide data regarding the placement and working angulations of both the ultrasound probe and the needle that are ideal for facilitating image-guided puncture. It is a simple technique, with a relatively short learning curve, and that can provide considerable intraoperative help to the surgeon.

Puncture points related to the tragal-lateral canthus line in conventional temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis: are they accurate? A cadaver study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the technical success of conventional TMJ arthrocentesis in cadavers, using the tragal-lateral canthus line as an anatomical reference for the puncture points.

METHODS

Ten formalin-treated and 8 fresh cadavers were submitted to the arthrocentesis. A point located 10 mm anteriorly and 2 mm inferiorly to the beginning of the tragal-lateral canthus line (A) and another point 20 mm anteriorly and 10 mm inferiorly (B) were demarked on the cadavers' skin. Following, 1 mL of methylene blue solution was injected through the needle at point A, and then another needle was placed at point B. Saline solution was injected through the first needle, identifying a free flow of bluish solution.

RESULTS

Concerning the formalin-treated cadavers, TMJ arthrocentesis was not successfully performed in any case (0%). In the fresh cadavers, the procedure was properly conducted bilaterally in only one case (12.5%) and unilaterally in 3 cases (37.5%), 2 on the left side (25.0%) and one on the right (12.5%).

CONCLUSION

The traditional points related to the tragal-lateral canthus line seemed not to be accurate references for the insertion of the needles in conventional TMJ arthrocentesis when 1 mL of solution is used initially and the maximum mouth opening is not achieved.

Ultrasonography-guided arthrocentesis versus conventional arthrocentesis in treating internal derangement of temporomandibular joint: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review assessed the clinical question: 'Does ultrasonography (USG)-guided arthrocentesis provide better outcomes than conventional arthrocentesis in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD)?'

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. An initial search was performed on electronic databases-including Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Library-followed by manual and reference searches until the date September 27, 2019. The articles selected were evaluated for study and patient characteristics, arthrocentesis procedure details, and treatment outcomes (post-operative pain, maximum mouth opening (MMO), procedure time, and attempts of needle positioning). Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Consumers and Communication Review Group's data extraction template and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP).

RESULTS

Out of the 325 initially identified articles, four studies with 144 patients were included in the final qualitative analysis. No significant differences were found in pain reduction and improved MMO between sample groups receiving conventional arthrocentesis and USG-guided arthrocentesis. Needle positioning attempts and procedural times were conflicting between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review found that the outcomes of USG-guided arthrocentesis were not superior to conventional arthrocentesis. Conflicting data was found in the attempts of needle positioning and procedural time. Standardized treatment protocols and data from well-designed USG-guided arthrocentesis randomized clinical trials were lacking.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Arthrocentesis with or without USG guidance are both effective for treating patients with TMD to reduce pain and to improve MMO. USG-guided arthrocentesis was not found to be superior to conventional arthrocentesis.

Arthrocentesis with different irrigation volumes in patients with disc displacement without reduction: One-year follow-up

Objective: This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of arthrocentesis when varying the irrigation volume in patients with disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR). Methods: Thirty DDWOR patients were equally divided into two groups: G1 (50 mL) and G2 (200 mL). Information was compared for pain, the maximum interincisal distance (MID), protrusion, and right and left laterality. Results: Arthrocentesis was able to reduce the pain and increase the MID, protrusion, and both laterality values significantly one year after the procedure (p < 0.001) in both groups. However, comparisons between the groups revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Furthermore, changes in volume did not affect the arthrocentesis results (p = 0.626, odds ratio = 1.625; 95% confidence interval = 0.230-11.461). Conclusion: Arthrocentesis techniques using 50- and 200-mL irrigation volumes were both effective, with no significant differences between techniques observed after one year of follow-up.

The Effect of Exercise on Range of Movement and Pain After Temporomandibular Joint Arthrocentesis

PURPOSE

Arthrocentesis is an effective treatment modality for temporomandibular disorders, especially in patients who have pain and limited mouth opening. Surgeons generally suggest physical exercises after arthrocentesis and arthroscopy procedures; however, there has been no study in the literature evaluating the effects of exercise on clinical outcomes. This study investigated whether physical exercises after arthrocentesis would result in early improvements in clinical symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint disc displacement without reduction (TMJ DDw/oR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study group was composed of 27 patients with TMJ DDw/oR. Patients who needed arthrocentesis after failed conservative nonsurgical treatment were enrolled in the study. Group 1 was composed of 14 patients who were not started on a physiotherapy program after the arthrocentesis procedure. Group 2 was composed of 13 patients who were started on a self-administered physiotherapy program immediately after the arthrocentesis procedure. Physiotherapy included a 6-week exercise program. Patients were followed for 3 months. Range of maximal mouth opening (MMO) and joint pain as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) were examined to determine clinical efficacy before and after treatment.

RESULTS

In groups 1 and 2, mouth opening increased and pain scores decreased at 1-week and 1- and 3-month follow-ups (P < .05). No relevant relation was found between the 2 groups according to MMO for all time points and VAS scores at 1 week. A relevant relation was found between the 2 groups according to VAS scores at 1 and 3 months.

CONCLUSION

Physical exercise after arthrocentesis has no effect on range of mouth opening but does decrease pain.