title: Arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint: a review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Arthrocentesis is a very gentle method for lavage of the joint space. The principle consists in the introduction of a pair of needles into the upper joint space and subsequent lavage using physiological saline or Ringer's solution. Arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint is used in both cases of acute closed lock and treatment of various temporomandibular disorders.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search in Pubmed database, using key words: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ), Arthrocentesis, indications, technique, results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint is a minimally invasive treatment method at the boundary between conservative and surgical therapy. It is usually performed on an out-patient basis under local anaesthesia. It is used both in cases of acute block caused by displacement of the articular disc and also to treat degenerative inflammatory diseases of the joints. The main objective of arthrocentesis is to wash out inflammatory mediators, release the disc, break adhesions, eliminate pain and improve joint mobility. It is a method with a minimum number of complications, it is simple and not demanding in terms of instruments, and it can be performed repeatedly. For this reason, it has become widespread and very popular in the treatment of internal disorders of the temporomandibular joint.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Olomouc and Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tvrdy
authors.forename: Petr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Heinz
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pink
mesh_terms: D000069237:Arthrocentesis / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007552:Isotonic Solutions / Q000494:pharmacology; D000077331:Ringer's Solution; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000601:surgery*; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D000077331:Ringer's Solution