Single Puncture Arthrocentesis for the Inflammatory Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Aim: Arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint traditionally involves irrigation of the upper joint space and manipulation of the joint, using 2 needles inserted through two separate puncture sites. The blind insertion of the second needle is often challenging. The surgeon may lose the right place during the procedure. So it may need manipulation and sometimes even multiple punctures. This often leads to extra -articular leak of the lavage solution which decreases the intra-articular pressure required for lysis. To overcome this unwanted clinical situation, a simple technique of introducing both the needles through a single puncture to accomplish the procedure of arthrocentesis more effectively has been followed in this study. Materials and Method: This study was conducted on 20 patients diagnosed with inflammatory conditions of the temporomandibular joint. Patient underwent arthrocentesis using a modified dual needle device with Ringer′s lactate as a lavage solution. Pre-op and post-op data were recorded over three months and analyzed statistically. Results: Mouth opening and visual analogue score for pain which were analyzed by student paired t test revealed that mouth opening increased and pain decreased significantly (p