Pain and Functional Outcomes of Temporomandibular Joint Arthrocentesis

OBJECTIVE: Arthrocentesis is a commonly used, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This study aims to evaluate the short-term and long-term outcomes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis and to investigate how clinical variables affect its success over time. METHODS: Patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral arthrocentesis were retrospectively reviewed, and eligible participants were contacted and scheduled for clinical evaluation. Demographic variables (age, sex), diagnosis, duration of pain and dysfunction, irrigation volume, and intra-articular injections were recorded. Pain intensity, maximum mouth opening (MMO), and patient satisfaction were evaluated as clinical outcomes. Data were analyzed at preoperative (T0), short-term postoperative (