Clinico-statistical study using MRI analysis of minimally invasive treatment for chronic recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation with autologous blood injection into the temporomandibular joint

Abstract

We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to clarify whether autologous blood injection (ABI) is an effective treatment for chronic recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). MRI examination was performed 1 hour and 12 weeks after ABI for 14 patients with chronic recurrent TMJ dislocation. Three types (I-III) of patients were identified based on MRI. Type I showed findings similar to joint effusion in the TMJ capsule. Type II showed a scattering of T2-weighted signal hyperintense regions around the TMJ capsule. Type III showed changes in the position of the condyle during mouth opening. Suppression of chronic recurrent TMJ dislocation was very strongly related to Type III findings. Three important findings were evident based on MRI after treatment for chronic recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation with ABI into tissue surrounding the TMJ capsule. Injection of autologous blood into the region around the TMJ capsule appears important for achieving a favorable suppression of dislocation. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2016 ; 50 : 47-53)