title: Randomized trial on the effectiveness of dexamethasone in TMJ arthrocentesis.
abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of dexamethasone administration following arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with a placebo (saline). Twenty-eight participants with TMJ arthralgia were randomly assigned to two groups of a parallel double-blind RCT. In both groups, an arthrocentesis procedure was carried out. In one group, the procedure was followed by the administration of a single-dose intra-articular dexamethasone. In the other group, saline was administered as a control. Follow-up visits were scheduled after 1, 3, and 24 weeks. During each visit, TMJ pain (on a 100-mm VAS) and jaw stiffness (mouth opening in mm) were scored. In the statistical analysis, generalized estimating equation (GEE) models showed no differences between the two study groups, although pain and jaw stiffness were both reduced over 24 weeks. In conclusion, intra-articular dexamethasone following arthrocentesis did not improve the procedure's effect in patients presenting with TMJ arthralgia (ClinicalTrials.gov number CT01275014).
authors.affiliation: University of Groningen, Department of Oral Health Care and Clinical Epidemiology, Centre for Dentistry and Oral Hygiene University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. j.j.r.huddleston.slater@kchir.umcg.nl
authors.forename: J J R
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Huddleston Slater
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Vos
authors.forename: L P P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Stroy
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stegenga
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D008409:Mastication / Q000187:drug effects; D010147:Pain Measurement; D019152:Paracentesis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010919:Placebos; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000187:drug effects; D012074:Remission Induction; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D010919:Placebos; D003907:Dexamethasone