Efficacy of Corticosteroid-Augmented Arthrocentesis in the Management of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs are a common cause of chronic orofacial pain and functional limitation, and a subset of patients remains symptomatic despite conservative management. Arthrocentesis is an established minimally invasive intervention, and adjunctive intra-articular corticosteroids may enhance its anti-inflammatory and clinical effects, though evidence from well-characterized prospective studies remains limited. Objective: To evaluate the short-term clinical effectiveness of corticosteroid-augmented arthrocentesis in reducing pain, improving mandibular mobility, and decreasing joint sounds in patients with refractory TMDs. Methods: A quasi-experimental, single-arm pre–post study was conducted on 52 adults with imaging-confirmed TMJ internal derangement unresponsive to conservative therapy. All patients underwent standardized arthrocentesis of the superior joint space followed by intra-articular injection of triamcinolone acetonide. Pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), maximum interincisal opening, joint clicking, and patient satisfaction were assessed at baseline and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-intervention. Repeated-measures statistical analyses were applied. Results: Mean pain scores decreased significantly from 7.6 ± 1.2 at baseline to 1.2 ± 0.7 at 3 months (p < 0.001), while maximum mouth opening improved from 28.4 ± 4.6 mm to 43.7 ± 3.1 mm (p < 0.001). Joint clicking prevalence declined from 92.3% to 7.7% (p < 0.001), and 88.5% of patients reported high satisfaction. No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusion: Corticosteroid-augmented arthrocentesis is a safe and effective minimally invasive intervention for refractory TMDs, producing significant short-term improvements in pain, function, and joint stability.