Short-term clinical evaluation on the interincisal range of mouth opening and pain between pumping lavage and arthrocentesis for closed lock cases of the temporomandibular joint

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the short-term clinical effect of pumping lavage and arthrocentesis for 31 closed lock cases of the temporomandibular joint that had no improvement with conservative treatment. The analysis of the interincisal range of mouth opening and VAS (visual analogue scale) was measured preoperatively and at one month and two months after pumping lavage or arthrocentesis. On the interincisal range of mouth opening, both procedures showed appropriate improvement postoperatively. Arthrocentesis of VAS at two months postoperatively was reduced significantly compared with preoperatively and at one month postoperatively. VAS of pumping lavage at two months postoperatively was reduced significantly compared with preoperatively but it was not reduced significantly compared with one month postoperatively. To improve the interincisal range of mouth opening and reduce pain, it was also indicated that irrigation of the joint space should be done with a sufficient amount of saline solution and under adequate fluid pressure.