Results of Combined, Single-Session Arthrocentesis and Dextrose Prolotherapy for Symptomatic Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome: A Case Series

Abstract

A single session of combined arthrocentesis and prolotherapy to treat symptomatic TMJ safely and significantly improved the subluxation and pain after 1 week and subluxation after 3 months compared to baseline status. The maximum mouth opening significantly decreased at all follow-up time points. Future studies assessing multiple treatment sessions are warranted.

The efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy over placebo for temporomandibular joint hypermobility: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…A statistical significant reduction in mouth opening was seen in their sample after 6 months. Cezairli et al also attempted to minimise the treatment sessions of dextrose prolotherapy. In their study of 10 patients, arthrocentesis was carried out prior to single injections of 30% dextrose solution.…”

Ultrasound‐Guided Prolotherapy for Acromial Enthesopathy and Acromioclavicular Joint Arthropathy: A Single‐Arm Prospective Study

“…This result was consistent with a previous report that prolotherapy was effective in bringing about significant pain reduction and functional restoration in patients with temporomandibular disorder in the first 3 months. 10 Also, a significant improvement in joint pain and range of motion after 6 months of initial prolotherapy was reported in a double-blind randomized trial in patients with finger OA. 13 Whether dextrose injection achieves long-term effects and improves patients' overall quality of life needs further examination.…”

“…This finding indicated stronger confidence in the short‐term effect of US‐guided prolotherapy for acromial enthesopathy and acromioclavicular joint arthropathy. This result was consistent with a previous report that prolotherapy was effective in bringing about significant pain reduction and functional restoration in patients with temporomandibular disorder in the first 3 months . Also, a significant improvement in joint pain and range of motion after 6 months of initial prolotherapy was reported in a double‐blind randomized trial in patients with finger OA .…”

“…The VAS score ranged from 0 to 10, with 0 for no pain and 10 for the most severe pain. In this study, the severity of symptoms was defined as mild (VAS score 0-3), moderate (4-7), and severe (8)(9)(10). The pretreatment score was recorded initially, and the posttreatment VAS scores were recorded in follow-up visits.…”

“…Cost‐effectiveness, few adverse effects, and few contraindications make prolotherapy a well‐accepted treatment. Several studies published from the 1930s to the early 2000s had concluded that prolotherapy offers a promising and effective complementary therapy for various musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, finger OA, chronic rotator cuff lesions, chronic myofascial pain, temporomandibular disorder, and sacroiliac joint disease . The exact mechanism of prolotherapy has not been clearly identified.…”