Minimally invasive intraarticular platelet rich plasma injection for refractory temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome in comparison to arthrocentesis.

Context: Internal derangements of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with associated symptoms which do not respond to conservative therapies are refractory cases of temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome (TMD). Minimally invasive techniques like arthrocentesis and platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections are usually employed to improve TMJ symptoms and function in these cases.

Aims: To compare PRP with arthrocentesis for evaluating the effectiveness of PRP in relieving symptoms of refractory TMJ pain dysfunction syndrome.

Setting And Design: A clinical study was carried out on 52 patients of refractory Temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome. The patients were divided in two groups that is Group A - test group and Group B -control Group.

Methods And Material: Group A consisted of 26 patients who underwent intraarticular PRP injection in TMJ and Arthrocentesis of TMJ was done in 26 patients of Group B. TMJ pain, Maximium Interincisal opening and TMJ clicking were assessed among the group as well as between the groups over a period of 6 months.

Statistical Analysis Used: Repeated Measure ANOVA was used to compare the parameters within the groups and T test was used for group comparison at 0.05 level of significance.

Result: There was statistically significant difference in pain intensity improvement 1 ± 0.75 versus 3.17 ± 2.13, maximum interincisal opening 39.86 ± 2.86 versus 37.59 ± 4.03 and clicking 6 versus 16 between the PRP group and arthrocentesis group at < 0.05.

Conclusions: Intraarticular PRP injection for the management of refractory TMD is more effective than arthrocentesis in reducing symptoms and functional improvement.