2000 Volume 46 Issue 2 Pages 108-110
Lavage manipulation technique was performed in 33 joints of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders. The subjects were 3 males and 30 females 14 to 68 years of age (average, 31.2 years). The procedure was as follows: 18-gauge and 21-gauge needles were inserted into the superior articular cavity for lavage with 200 ml of saline. One week, 1 month, and 3 months after this procedure, the clinical symptoms were evaluated. In patients with pain or limited mouth opening persisting for more than 3 months after initial lavage manipulation treatment, the procedure was repeated. We compared the effects of initial lavage manipulation technique with the effects of repeat procedure.
Pain or limited mouth opening remained in 9 of the 33 patients after initial lavage manipulation technique. We performed this procedure 2 times in these 9 patients. Pain or limited mouth opening remained in 6 of the 9 patients, and we performed this procedure 3 times or more in these 6 patients. Pain or limited mouth opening remained in all 6 patients who underwent the lavage manipulation technique procedure 3 times or more.
Our findings suggest that the lavage manipulation technique is not effective for patients who have persistent symptoms after the procedure is performed 3 times or more.
