A Comparative Analysis of Intra-articular Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Arthrocentesis in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Objectives Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are progressive disorders which lead to development of arthralgia and functional disabilities of temporomandibular joint. The treatment of the TMDs is controversial; noninvasive and minimally invasive therapies have shown a success rate of 70 to 85% for its management. The objective of present study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and arthrocentesis in management of TMDs. Materials and Methods Twenty-four patients with complaint of reduced mouth opening, joint noise, pain, jaw deviation, not responding to medicinal treatment and coming under group II/III of RDC/TMD were included. Patients were randomly and equally divided in two groups. In group A, arthrocentesis was performed, whereas group B patients underwent intra-articular injections of PRP. Patients were clinically evaluated preoperatively to 12 months postoperatively. Result Both the groups showed significant improvement in painless mouth opening (P < 0.01), lateral movements towards unaffected side (P < 0.05) and reduction in pain complaint (P < 0.01). Arthrocentesis group also showed significant improvement in maximum mouth opening (P < 0.01). Conclusion On comparison, both groups were found to have effective treatment modality. However, arthrocentesis has higher success rate for pain elimination, and PRP is more effective in correction of joint noise and jaw deviation.