title: Comparison Between Betamethasone and Sodium Hyaluronate Combination with Betamethasone Alone After Arthrocentesis in the Treatment of Internal Derangement of TMJ-Using Single Puncture Technique: A Preliminary Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to compare the intra-articular injection of betamethasone and sodium hyaluronate (combination) with betamethasone alone after arthrocentesis using single puncture technique into the upper joint space in the treatment of temporomandibular joint internal derangements.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen patients with internal derangement were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups (7 in each group). Arthrocentesis with single puncture technique of the upper joint space was then performed using ringer lactate under local anesthesia, followed by injection of either betamethasone and sodium hyaluronate combination or betamethasone alone into the joint. Clinical data was collected in the form of pain (visual analog scale), maximum mouth opening, and clicking sound before and after treatment up to 6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the follow up of 6 months, there was statistically significant decrease in intensity of pain and increase in mouth opening was seen in betamethasone and sodium hyaluronate combination group compared to betamethasone alone group. Although there was statistically significant difference between the two groups when clicking was evaluated in the initial time interval (2nd post op day), on follow up of up to 6 months there was no statistically significant difference in clicking.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although patients benefitted from both techniques, arthrocentesis with intra-articular injection of betamethasone and sodium hyaluronate combination is superior to arthrocentesis with betamethasone injection alone.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Dental College and Research Institute, Fort, Bangalore, 560002 India.
authors.forename: Girish B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Giraddi
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Dental College and Research Institute, Fort, Bangalore, 560002 India.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Siddaraju
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Dental College and Research Institute, Fort, Bangalore, 560002 India.
authors.forename: Arun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Dental College and Research Institute, Fort, Bangalore, 560002 India.
authors.forename: Tarun
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jain
keywords: Betamethasone and sodium; Hyaluronate; Internal derangement; Temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis