title: Arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint: a proposal for a single-needle technique.
abstract: Arthrocentesis is a method of flushing out the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that is currently performed by providing a double access to the joint space. Several studies have shown that arthrocentesis of the upper compartment of the TMJ may be a highly effective method to restore normal maximal mouth opening and functioning. Nonetheless, the classical 2-needle technique has some limits, such as the low tolerability and difficulty in performing it in the presence of intra-articular adherences. The adoption of a single-needle for both fluid injection and aspiration might have some advantages with respect to the traditional 2-needle approach in terms of time of execution, tolerability, and retention of medication. These potential advantages have to be assessed with future randomized and controlled clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: TMD Clinic, University of Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Guarda-Nardini
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Manfredini
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ferronato
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009339:Needles; D019152:Paracentesis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000601:surgery*; D055675:Viscosupplements / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D055675:Viscosupplements; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid