title: Arthrocentesis in TMJ Internal Derangement: A Prospective Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate improvement in symptoms following arthrocentesis: Pain, Maximum Mouth Opening, Clicking/Crepitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven patients who reported to the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, M S Ramaiah Dental College, Bangalore clinically diagnosed to have Internal Derangement of the TMJ underwent Arthrocentesis. Patients were evaluated at the end of 1 week, 1 and 3 months and results tabulated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  11 patients with clinically diagnosed Internal Derangement underwent Arthrocentesis and were followed up for 3 months. There was significant improvement in Pain, Maximum Mouth Opening and Clicking/Crepitation. All the results were statistically significant. There was no serious post operative complication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Arthrocentesis can be recommended as a simple chair-side procedure for the treatment of TMJ Internal Derangement refractory to conservative management.
authors: PSM College of Dental Science, Akkikkavu PO, Thrissur DT, 680519 India.
authors: V E
authors: VE
authors: Kuruvilla
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Prasad
keywords: Arthrocentesis; Internal derangement; TMJ