Evaluating the additional effects of arthrocentesis on the condylar pathways of temporomandibular joint in patients with internal derangement treated with stabilizing splint.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this investigation is to find out the differences in the condylar pathways of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients treated with stabilizing splint and arthrocentesis accompanied by stabilizing splint in 6 months period.


METHODS
Forty patients who were assigned a clinical diagnosis of internal derangement of the TMJ were included in this study. Full arch stabilizing splints were made for all patients. Patients were divided into two groups; group A (patients who underwent arthrocentesis), group B (patients who did not underwent arthrocentesis). Computerized axiography was performed for each group before therapy (T0), on the 3(rd) month (T1), after arthrocentesis (TA) (for group A) and on 6th month (T2). Curve parameters were recorded in three-dimension; X axis (posteroanterior), Y axis (mediolateral), Z axis (superoinferior). Also the distance from the starting point of the movement on sagittal plane (S) was calculated.


RESULTS
There was a significant increase in the value of Z (p = 0.014) and S (p = 0.038) in mediotrusion movement in group A. Also, there was a significant increase in the value of Z (p = 0.007) in protrusion/retrusion movement, value of Z (p = 0.019) and S value (p = 0.002) in mediotrusion movement and value of Y in open/close movement in group B.


CONCLUSIONS
No positive effects on condylar pathways of an additional arthrocentesis to splint therapy alone in patients with internal derangement were found in this study.
Marmara University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, Guzelbahce, Büyükciftlik Sokak, No: 6, 34365 Nisantasi, Istanbul, Turkey. Electronic address: mehmetaliyucel@gmail.com.
Mehmet Ali
MA
Yucel
Marmara University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, Istanbul, Turkey.
Rifat
R
Gozneli
University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, Toronto, Canada.
Hasan Necdet
HN
Alkumru
Marmara University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics (Head: Yasemin Kulak-Ozkan), Istanbul, Turkey.
Yasemin
Y
Kulak-Ozkan
D000328:Adult; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D007552:Isotonic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007574:Jaw Relation Record / Q000379:methods; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D019152:Paracentesis / Q000379:methods*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D000077325:Ringer's Lactate; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D000077325:Ringer's Lactate
Arthrocentesis; Axiograph; Stabilizing splint