Comparison of single- and double-puncture arthrocentesis for the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders: A six-month, prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacies of single- and double-puncture arthrocentesis in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with closed lock (CL).

METHODS: Arthrocentesis procedures were performed in 32 joints from 32 patients with magnetic resonance imaging-based diagnoses of anterior disc displacement without reduction. The patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the surgical procedure received (single-puncture arthrocentesis Type 1 or double-puncture). Maximum mouth opening, pain at rest, pain while chewing, pain at maximum mouth opening, tenderness level, and treatment tolerability were measured. Procedure duration and analgesic required were also considered.

RESULTS: The rates of improvement of the outcome variables were not significantly different between the two groups. However, the duration of the single-puncture arthrocentesis technique was significantly longer than the double-puncture (p ˂ 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: Both the single- and double-puncture technique are similarly tolerated and efficacious for the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.