The Outcomes of Arthrocentesis With High Pressure Versus Low Pressure in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of arthrocentesis with high versus low pressure in temporomandibular joint disorders. Subjects and methods: The present study included 56 patients, 36 females and 20 males. Patients were selected from those attending oral and maxillofacial outpatient clinic of Sayed Galal university hospital. All were complaining of temporomandibular pain and seeking treatment. Data collected in form of chief complaint, duration of condition and history of complaint that included side, duration, onset, precipitating and relieving factors, and relation to other activities such as eating, or shouting. Also, the presence of parafunctional habits was recorded. Assessment of pain level was made using visual analogue scale. Measurement of maximum mouth opening, Orthopantogram was taken for all of them to rule out degenerative joint diseases. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) were taken for all patients for accurate diagnosis of joint condition, disc position and shape. Results: After 1,2,3 months, there was no statistically significant difference between pain scores in the two groups, after 1,2,3 months, there was a statistically significant difference between MMO in the two groups, Low pressure arthrocentesis group showed statistically significantly lower mean MMO than high pressure arthrocentesis group. Conclusion: Pain reduction was noted in both groups Maximal mouth opening improved with high pressure arthrocentesis more than with low pressure arthrocentesis.