What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to evaluate the effect of arthrocentesis on articular capsular width in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.

June 3, 2026BMC Oral Health0 citationsOpen Access

Temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis and its effect on articular capsular width: a clinical ultrasonographic study

OSOnur Sahar SKSema Kaya

Key Points

This study aims to evaluate the effect of arthrocentesis on articular capsular width in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.
Prospective cohort study design
Inclusion of systemically healthy adults with intra-articular temporomandibular disorders
Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation
Significant reduction in capsular width on the affected side from 2.73 mm at baseline to 2.29 mm at six months (p < 0.001)
No significant change in capsular width on the non-affected side (p = 0.4)
At three months, the affected side's capsular width was significantly smaller than the non-affected side (p < 0.001)

Abstract

Abstract Background The efficacy of arthrocentesis in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders is well established, but its effect on articular capsular width is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in capsular width associated with TMJ arthrocentesis using ultrasonography. Methods This prospective cohort study included individuals presenting with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) to Van Yuzuncu Yil University. Inclusion criteria were systemically healthy adults who provided informed consent and had intra-articular TMD persisting for ≥ 6 months despite conservative management. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Friedman test for group comparisons, with significance at p < 0.05. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess associations between changes in capsular width and clinical outcomes. Results The study sample consisted of 27 subjects (16 females, 59.3%) with a mean age of 41.6 ± 13.0 years. Ultrasonographic analysis revealed a significant reduction in capsular width on the affected side over time ( p < 0.001), whereas no significant change was observed on the non-affected side ( p = 0.4). The mean capsular width on the affected side decreased from 2.73 ± 0.29 mm at baseline (T0, pre-treatment) to 2.46 ± 0.30 mm at three months after arthrocentesis (T1) and 2.29 ± 0.33 mm at six months after arthrocentesis (T2). Between-group comparisons showed no significant difference at T0 ( p = 0.3) or at T1 ( p = 0.1), but at T2, the affected side demonstrated a significantly smaller capsular width compared with the non-affected side ( p < 0.001). Conclusions The findings suggest that arthrocentesis was associated with a reduction in capsular width on the treated side, concurrent with improvements in pain and mandibular function. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07553078), registered on April 15, 2026. Retrospectively registered.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper