Importance of early arthrocentesis in temporomandibular joint closed lock by disc displacement without reduction. A case review

• Jordi Borrás-Ferreres ^[1] ; Cosme Gay-Escoda ^[2]
  1. [1] DDS. MSc. Private practice of Oral Surgery and Implantology, Benicarló (Castellón), Spain
  2. [2] MD, DDS, MSc, PhD, EBOS, OMFS. Chairman and Professor of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Barcelona. Director of the Master degree program in Oral Surgery and Implantology, EFHRE International University/FUCSO, Barcelona. Founder/Researcher of the IDIBELL Institute. Head of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Teknon Medical Center, Barcelona, Spain
• Localización: Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry, ISSN-e 1989-5488, Vol. 17, Nº. 6, 2025, págs. 746-751
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Arthrocentesis (joint lysis and lavage) and hydraulic distension with manipulation of the temporomandibular joint have been described as effective options for reducing joint pain and improving function in patients with limited mouth opening (closed lock) due to disc displacement without reduction, fundamentally in the acute phase of the disorder. However, the efficacy and scientific basis of such treatment have not been validated to date. As a result, the most frequent management strategies tend to be more conservative and mainly focus on the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and/or muscle relaxants, occlusal splints and physiotherapy.

    The present study was carried out to assess the efficacy of early arthrocentesis in improving mouth opening and reducing joint pain in a woman with a 10-day history of acute closed lock due to left temporomandibular joint disc displacement without reduction.