The Effect of Exercise on Range of Movement and Pain After Temporomandibular Joint Arthrocentesis

Publication date: Available online 12 January 2018
Source:Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): Burcu Bas, Dilara Kazan, Nukhet Kutuk, Vugar Gurbanov
PurposeArthrocentesis is an effective treatment modality for temporomandibular disorders, especially in patients who suffer from pain and limited mouth opening. Surgeons generally suggest physical exercises after arthrocentesis and arthroscopy procedures; however, there has been no study in the literature evaluating its effects on clinical outcomes . The aim of this study was to investigate whether physical exercises given after arthrocentesis result in early improvements in the clinical symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint disc displacement without reduction (TMJ DDw/oR)Materials and methodsThe study group comprised 27 patients with TMJ DDw/oR. Patients who needed arthrocentesis after failed conservative, non-surgical treatment were enrolled in the study. Group 1 consists of 14 patients who were not started on a physiotherapy program following the arthrocentesis procedure. Group 2 consists of 13 patients who were started on a self-administered physiotherapy program immediately following the arthrocentesis procedure. The physiotherapy includes an exercises program for a period of 6 weeks. Patients were followed for 3 months. The range of maximal mouth opening (MMO) and joint pain as measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS) were examined to determine the clinical efficiency before and after treatment.ResultsIn both groups mouth opening increased and pain scores decreased at 1week, 1 and 3 month follow-ups (P < 0.05). No significant relationship was found between the two group according to MMO for all time points and VAS scores at 1 week. A significant relationship was found between the two groups according to VAS scores at 1^th and 3^rd months.ConclusionPhysical exercises are given after arthrocentesis has no effect on the range of mouth opening but reduces pain.



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