Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the clinical results of arthrocentesis, dextrose prolotherapy and
combination of both protocols in the management of Temporomandibular joint internal derangement.
Materials and Methods: Thirty patients suffering from Temporomandibular joint Disorders (TMD) including pain and limited
mouth opening were included in this study. The patients were divided randomly into three equal groups. Arthrocentesis was
carried out for the patients in group I, prolotherapy was carried out for the patients in group II and arthrocentesis followed by
injection of dextrose was performed for the patients in group III.
Results: Pair-wise comparisons concerning pain scores revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between
Group I and Group II but both showed statistically significantly higher pain score than Group III. Pair-wise comparisons
between groups concerning maximal mouth opening revealed that Group III showed the statistically significantly highest
mean maximum mouth opening. Group I showed statistically significantly lower mean value. Group II showed the statistically
significantly lowest mean maximum mouth opening.
Conclusion: Arthrocentesis followed by dextrose injection resulted in better clinical outcomes concerning pain and Maximum
Mouth Opening (MMO) when compared to arthrocentesis alone or prolotherapy alone. It is a safe and simple procedure. Our
findings suggests the need for further studies to asses this treatment protocol radiographically with a longer follow up time
period.