TMJ arthrocentesis for acute closed lock: retrospective analysis of 40 consecutive cases

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term results of arthrocentesis in the management of anchored disc phenomenon with its resultant limitation of jaw movement. The study involving 62 patients with suddenly occurring severe and persistent limited mouth opening originating from TMJ were retrospectively analyzed. The study group consisted of 40 consecutive patients with 64 involved TMJs. These were treated by arthrocentesis. All patients rated their pain level on visual analogue scale and filled information on jaw pain, jaw dysfunction and daily living activity scores on a self-questionnaire pre-operatively and at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively. The interincisal opening was measured on each setting. Pre-operative and post-operative differences were analyzed statistically and the success rate was calculated according to the success criteria. The success rate was 95% at 36 months follow-up. All post-operative scores showed marked improvements. Athrocentesis is considered to be the treatment modality of choice for acute closed lock cases of temporomandibular joint in carefully selected cases