Ultrasound-Guided Single Puncture Technique to Simultaneously Reach the Upper and Lower Temporomandibular Joint Compartments for Arthrocentesis or Injections Purposes: A Technical Note.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis is a widely described and effective technique that promotes lysis and lavage of TMJ compartments, improving pain and mandibular range of motion. Mostly, this technique has been used to reach the upper TMJ compartment, besides effusion may be present also in lower compartment, that, in the absence of disc perforation, may also need to be assessed. Here, we propose an adaptation of arthrocentesis technique aiming to access both upper and lower compartments of the TMJ with a single needle puncture and guided by ultrasound real-time images.