Effectiveness of the Arthrocentesis in TMD Patients with Otologic Symptoms

Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of otologic complaints in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) closed lock (CL) and evaluate the effectiveness of the arthrocentesis in temporomandibular disorder(TMD) patients with otologic symptoms. Method:  57 patients with TMJ CL were included in the study. Pretreatment data included maximum mouth opening (MMO), pain level in palpation of the affected TMJ, pain level with function and otological complaints including otalgia, tinnitus, vertigo and hearing loss. Arthrocentesis treatment performed in all patients and one month after treatment post-treatment data were recorded. Result: The average MMO was 24.67mm ± 4.61 mm, the average tenderness score  was 7.02 ± 1.09, the average score for pain in function was 6.86 ± 1.31 before arthrocentesis and lavage. Following TMJ arthrocentesis and lavage the average MMO was 39.81mm ± 4.56 mm., the average tenderness score was 2.37 ± 0.65, average score for pain in function was 2.45 ± 0.69. 17(29.82%) patients reported at least 1 otologic complaint, 17(29.82%) patients reported otalgia and 8(14.04%) patients reported tinnitus. Vertigo was noted in 5(8.77%) patients. Complaint of hearing was not noted in any patients. After treatment, complaint of otalgia was disappeared in 14(25%) patients, tinnitus was disappeared in 5(9%) patients and vertigo was disappeared in 2(4%) patients. This represented a significant improvement especially in otalgia(p˂0.0006). Conclusion: Arthrocentesis procedures may be used to reduce both TMD symptoms and otologic complaints.