Single-Puncture Versus Double-Puncture Technique Arthrocentesis in the Treatment of Internal Derangement of TM Joint-A Comparative Clinical Study.

Introduction: Tempormandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders require early diagnosis with a prompt and effective treatment. Arthrocentesis has been found to be a valuable treatment aid for patients with early stage internal derangement of temporomandibular joints. The use of this procedure has been well documented in literature and had been performed for decades. Arthrocentesis under local anaesthesia can be performed in two different techniques i.e Single puncture and Double puncture techniques. Aims and Objectives: Our study was done to show the effectiveness of each of these techniques in aiding the patient as well as time taken to perform this procedure. Our study compares the two techniques to allow us to draw a proper conclusion on which can be put to use for better and less traumatic treatment of these patients. Materials and Method: For this study 50 patients with Internal Derangement, group A was 25 patients that were treated with Arthrocentesis of 200 ml RL using OnePrick TMJ Arthrocentesis System with Single Puncture technique and group B consisted of 25 patients who were treated with Arthrocentesis of 200 ml RL using Double Puncture technique. Result: We found a significant increase in maximal mouth opening in patients undergoing arthrocentesis regardless of the technique. Comparison of mean duration of surgery performed among different groups were assessed using sample T test. Mean duration of technique A is around 17.18 minutes whereas for technique B is 20.90 minutes. The mean difference for two techniques performed is -3.722 with P value of 0.001. In technique A 24% of subjects needed additional lavage whereas in techniques B it is 20 %. On an average, total of 22 % of subjects needed additional lavage for better results. The resultant p value is around 0.733. Discussion: The traditional double puncture technique involves the insertion of two needles into the upper joint space. Difficulties in accurate triangulation, positioning of the needle, and frequent intraoperative needle dislocations lead to longer operating times and are often encountered with the double puncture technique. On comparing the two arthrocentesis techniques in terms of easiness to operator a study done showed the group treated with single needle techniques found it easier than the double needle technique. The difference between groups was significant. The mean difference for two techniques performed was seen to be above three minutes in our study which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Single needle technique is advantageous in the fact that it takes a shorter duration to perform, is less invasive and easier for the operator to complete successfully.

Efficacy of Arthrocentesis and Anterior Repositioning Splints in Treatment of Internal Derangement of TMJ: A Prospective Clinical Study.

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of double puncture arthrocentesis and anterior repositioning splints in the treatment of internal derangement of temporomandibular joint. 35 patients with mean age of 36.6 years ± 10.2 years diagnosed with unilateral TMD who fell into Wilkes stage 2 and disc displacement with reduction with intermittent locking described by RDC/TMD were treated with Nitzan's double puncture arthrocentesis and were given a anterior repositioning hard splint. The parameters following parameters were assessed at intervals of 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months: pain, maximum inter-incisal mouth opening, Joint noise/click. Statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvements were seen at all recorded intervals in all observed parameters. Simultaneous arthrocentesis and anterior repositioning splint therapy is effective in alleviating pain and improving mouth opening without discomfort in patients with unilateral painful TMD showing disc displacement with reduction with intermittent locking.

Chronic Protracted Dislocation of Temporomandibular Joint in a Trauma Patient - A Case Report.

Rationale: Chronic protracted temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation refers to a condition that persists for more than one month without reduction. Patient Concerns: A 47-year-old male patient first presented to the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery complaining of the inability to close his mouth for nine months. Diagnosis: Chronic protracted dislocation of the temporomandibular joint. Treatment: An initial conservative approach was attempted to reduce the condyle, which was unsuccessful. As literature suggests, open-joint surgery with eminectomy and condylectomy of bilateral joints was performed. Outcomes and Take-away Lessons: A stagewise treatment is essential for such cases of long-standing TMJ dislocations. A conservative approach is first attempted followed by surgery if the conservative approach is unsuccessful. Postsurgery physiotherapy is essential for a better prognosis.

Temporomandibular Joint Replacement Using Stock Alloplastic Graft in the Treatment of Ankylosis: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: This paper aims to assess the suitability and effectiveness of temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) devices to treat a case of re-ankylosis and association of tuberculosis (TB) with reduced mouth opening. Traditional protocols for the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis have preferred autologous grafts for reconstruction. Usage of TMJR devices have been reserved for very specific conditions. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a case of a patient previously treated for ankylosis using a sternoclavicular graft, who came with a chief complaint of progressive decrease in mouth opening. She also gave a history of pulmonary TB a year back. Investigations revealed no active TB. Images and clinical presentation were consistent with bilateral ankylosis. The treatment plan consisted of resection of ankylotic mass on the left side and removal of the failed graft and reconstruction with Biomet stock TMJR prosthesis on the left side. DISCUSSION: Stock device has proven to be reliable option in planned TMJR procedures. Osteoarticular TB should be ruled out in patients with a history and features of TB. CONCLUSION: Stock TMJR devices are an effective and viable option for the treatment of re-ankylosis. This ensures almost immediate possibility of physiotherapy and long-term results including maintenance of mouth opening and function. Osteoarticular TB can cause trismus and painful joints which may be misdiagnosed. Any patient with reduced mouth opening with a history of TB should be investigated for possible extrapulmonary TB.

Presentation of cysticercosis of the lateral pterygoid muscle as temporomandibular disorder: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Orofacial pain can often be the chief complaint of many systemic disorders. Cysticercosis involving the lateral pterygoids may cause limitation of mouth opening and may mimic clinical symptoms of a temporomandibular disorder. A 37-year-old female presented with 1-month-old complaint of limited mandibular range of motion. She reported a similar episode a year earlier and was diagnosed with a temporomandibular joint disorder by her primary dentist. Comprehensive intra- and extra-oral examinations were performed, which revealed a limitation of mouth opening accompanied by mild limitation of contralateral excursion. A magnetic resonance imaging revealed a ring-enhancing lesion within the left pterygoid muscle suggestive of cysticercosis. The patient was referred to her primary care physician for further treatment and given physical therapy (stretching exercises) to improve mouth opening. One week later, she developed lesions in the arm and trunk. Further ultrasound imaging of the abdomen and the forearms confirmed the diagnosis of cysticercosis. She was treated with albendazole, physiotherapy, joint stabilization appliance, and had eventual complete recovery. This case emphasizes the importance of diagnosis of a systemic condition that may have serious implications, if untreated, and the importance of a comprehensive evaluation, workup, and multidisciplinary management.

Costochondral Graft as Interpositional material for TMJ Ankylosis in Children: A Clinical Study.

ABSTRACT: TMJ ankylosis is one of the most disruptive anomaly that affects the masticatory system. The inability to move the mandible has significant functional ramification, such as the inability to eat a normal diet. Additionally, speech is affected, making it difficult for some individuals to communicate and express themselves to others. As there are several biologic and anatomic similarities to the mandibular condyles, autogenous costochondral grafts have been considered to be the most acceptable tissue for temporomandibular joint reconstruction. In addition donor site complications are infrequent and regeneration of the rib usually occurs within a year post operatively in children. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of costochondral grafts to replace the mandibular condyles and to assess the position, growth, overgrowth, function, success, failure and resorption of costochondral grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten TMJ ankylosis patients were operated in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly. Out of the 10 cases 6 were male patients and 4 female patients in age group of ≤14 years; of which 8 patients were of unilateral TMJ ankylosis and 2 were of bilateral TMJ ankylosis. All ten patients underwent interpositional gap arthroplasty with reconstruction of the condyle by costochondral graft. RESULTS: All patients with costochondral grafts had improved mandibular symmetry and growth with adequate mouth opening. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that using costochondral grafts to reconstruct TMJ ankylosis in children provides a good result.

Oral verrucous hyperplasia: a case report.

Oral verrucous hyperplasia is a whitish or pinkinsh elevated pre malignant lesion which occurs rarely. Its is also considered to be an early form of verrucous carcinoma. We have reported a case of verrucous hyperplasia which was diagnosed and treated with buccal fat pad as graft.

A unique case of multiple osteochondroma: Mandibular symphysis and femur.

Osteochondroma is a common benign tumor of the axial skeleton rarely seen in the facial bones. When encountered in the facial skeleton, it is commonly found in the mandible, usually in the condyle or coronoid processes. There are only two earlier reported cases of the tumor in the mandibular symphysis. We report an unusual case of osteochondroma of the mandibular symphysis found in conjunction with osteochondroma of the distal femur and, stress the need for long-term follow-up in patients with multiple lesions.

Lipoma involving the masticator space.

The lipoma is a common tumor of mesenchymal origin, usually seen on the trunk and lower limbs. In the head and neck region, it is usually seen in the posterior neck. It is rarely seen in the anterior neck, infratemporal fossa, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and parotid gland. It may present in a variety of ways. We report a rare case of a lipoma involving the masticator space.

Submental intubation: our experience.

INTRODUCTION: Airway management for patients who suffered midfacial fractures is complicated. In maxillofacial injuries, a choice has often to be made between different ways of intubation when surgical access to both the nasal and oral cavities is necessary. Submental intubation technique is an alternative to nasoendotracheal intubation and tracheostomy in the management of patients with severe midfacial fractures. This procedure is simple to do and has a low morbidity. MATERIAL: Submental intubation-paramedian technique has been used in 15 cases from May 2005-April 2007 in Hosmat Hospital, Bangalore. All patients had fractures disturbing the dental occlusion plus either an associated fracture of the skull base or a displaced nasal fracture. RESULTS: Average duration of procedure was 7 minutes. Average duration of tube in vitro after surgery was 20 hours. There were 2 postoperative complications of tube obstruction which were successfully managed. CONCLUSION: Submental intubation demands certain technical skills but it is simple, rapid and may avoid tracheostomy in selected patients.