title: Scientific evidence on the usefulness of intraarticular hyaluronic acid injection in the management of temporomandibular dysfunction.
abstract: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is found in high concentrations in cartilage and synovial fluid, and is an important component of the extracellular matrixes-exerting joint lubrication and buffering actions thanks to its viscoelastic properties. The present study examines the scientific evidence found in the current literature on the usefulness of the intraarticular injection of HA in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction. A literature search was made up until May 2008 in the following databases: PubMed / MEDLINE. Of the articles found in the literature, the present review included 18 relevant studies on the application of HA in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The quality, level of evidence and strength of recommendation of the articles was evaluated based on the "Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy" criteria. It is concluded that type A level of recommendation exists in favor of the intraarticular injection of HA in dysfunction of the TMJ. However, further studies are needed to establish the true therapeutic effects and to identify the best dosing regimen.
authors.affiliation: Master of Oral Surgery and Implantology, University of Barcelona Dental School, IDIBELL Institute, Service of Oral surgery and Implantology of Centro Médico Teknon, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Jaume
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Escoda-Francolí
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vázquez-Delgado
authors.forename: Cosme
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gay-Escoda
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D006820:Hyaluronic Acid