Does the Cannula Diameter Affect Outcomes of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Arthrocentesis?

PURPOSE: Since its implementation, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis can be performed with cannulas of different diameters. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in cannula diameter for TMJ arthrocentesis on intraoperative and postoperative parameters.METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical study was conducted using the documentation of Wilkes stage 3 patients with TMJ disorders. Patients were assigned to 2 groups using a system of computer-assisted randomization. Double puncture arthrocentesis (DPA) was performed with 21-gauge cannulas (group 1) and 18-gauge cannulas (group 2). The primary predictor variable was cannula diameter. Pain values assessed using a Likert-type (0 to10) visual analog scale (VAS) were selected as primary outcome variable. Mandibular movements including maximum mouth opening (MMO), lateral excursions (LE) and protrusion (P), were selected as secondary outcomes. Mandibular movements and pain values were recorded before treatment and at 1st day and 3rd months intervals. Descriptive, comparative, and bivariate analyses were conducted. Intraoperative complications were also recorded.RESULTS: DPA was applied to 33 patients (29 females, 4 males). Although group 1 was found to be significantly more advantageous than group 2 in terms of pain levels (P < .05), no statistically significant difference was discovered in terms of total complication numbers and mandibular movements at the follow-up periods (P >.05).CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited sample size cannula thickness affects postoperative pain level significantly in conventional TMJ arthrocentesis.