Arthrocentesis techniques applied to arthrogenic temporomandibular joint disorders.indd

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This is a review of different arthrocentesis techniques used for arthrogenic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, as well as their indications, their possible action mechanisms and complications. CONTENTS: Studies have been carried out in recent years in the attempt to standardize different arthrocentesis protocols used for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), to define when and how to use them. These are minimally invasive and low cost techniques which may be performed under local anesthesia, with or without sedation, in addition to being replicable and having low morbidity. They are indicated to relief or control pain and arthrogenic disorders. CONCLUSION: Several arthrocentesis techniques, combined or not with anti-inflammatory, opioids or viscoelastic substances, produce adequate results for arthrogenic TMD, however the therapeutic success depends on disease chronicity, on its clinical and imaging characteristics, on the accurate diagnosis, on patients’ cooperation, on professionals’ experience and on the technique used.