The Use of Arthrocentesis in Patients with TMJ Dysfunction

Aim: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the use of Arthrocentesis as a medical therapy in patients with TMJ dysfunction. Material and Method: There are studied the clinical signs in 10 patients with the TMJ disfunction, before and after treatment with Arthrocentesis. The patients before Arthrocentesis had pain in TMJ region, click, and difficulties in mouth opening. To evaluate the pain is used Visual Analog Scale. The patients are treated and followed up in Maxilo Facial Service, French Hospital ―Claude Bernard, University Hospital Center, Tirana. Results: Through the lavage of the intra-articular space, it is seen the improvement in mouth opening till 35 mm, and the pain in TMJ was reduced. Conclusions: The use of Arthrocentesis was shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving the mouth opening in patients with TMJ disfunction, so we suggest the use of it in these series of patients.Keywords: Arthrocentesis, Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, TMJ