Assessment of the Platelet-Rich Plasma effect on treating Anterior Disc Dislocation in the Temporomandibular Joint
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64149/J.Carcinog.24.3s.804-811Keywords:
PRP; TMJ; disc displacement; Intraarticular injectionAbstract
Background: Temporomandibular joints disc displacement frequently cause pain, restricted function, and impaired quality of life. Conventional treatments, include splint therapy and arthrocentesis, may not provide adequate relief in refractory cases.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), with its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, has recently been investigated as a potential minimally invasive treatment however long-term studies remain limited.
Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of PRP injections following arthrocentesis in patients suffering from TMJ disc displacement unresponsive to conservative therapy.
Methods: This study evaluated 18 patients diagnosed with TMJ disc displacement who did not respond to conservative management and minimally invasive arthrocentesis. Inclusion criteria were persistent pain and impaired function without systemic or autoimmune or septic joint disease. All patients received two intra-articular autologous PRP injections. Clinical outcomes, including pain level assessed through 10-point Visual Analog (VAS Scale) and maximum inter-incisal mouth opening (MIO), were evaluated before treatment and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-injection. MRI was performed to assess disc position.
Results: Baseline mean pain intensity was 7.5 on the VAS scale. At 3 months, pain decreased to 4.2, continue to decrease to reach 2.0 at 6 months, and 0.5 by 12 months. Significant improvements in MIO were observed in all patients across follow-up intervals. MRI findings demonstrated improved disc positioning in the majority of cases. No adverse events were reported.
Conclusion: PRP Intra-articular injection demonstrated significant pain reduction and improving function in patients with TMJ disc displacement unresponsive to conventional treatments. These findings support PRP as an effective, predictable, and minimally invasive management option.
