Abstract
Objective: We tried to use an ultrasound-Doppler guided technique for visualization of needle placement within the temporomandibular joint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods: The efficacy of temporomandibular joint corticosteroid injection and a liniment as a positive control were compared. Randomization was performed and 14 outpatients with RA were treated with their respective treatment. The mouth opening length at 4 weeks was compared with those at baseline in each treatment group.
Results: At the 4 week assessment, participants in the temporomandibular joint injection group (n＝8) demonstrated significantly increased mouth opening length (P＜0.0001) in comparison with their baseline assessments. The significant differences were not found in the group with the liniment (n＝6), (P＝0.61).
Conclusion: The ultrasound-Doppler guided technique for temporomandibular joint injection with corticosteroid is suitable for patients with RA who have complained of severe pain in their jaws when chewing.
