Intra-Articular PRP Versus Dexamethasone for TMJ Internal Derangement

This study looked at whether an injection into the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint, or TMJ) can help people who have pain, clicking, and difficulty opening their mouth due to a slipped joint disc. Thirty patients were randomly assigned to receive one of three injections: platelet-rich plasma (PRP, made from the patient's own blood), a steroid medication (dexamethasone) with a local anesthetic, or a saline (salt water) injection as a comparison. Pain, joint clicking, and mouth opening were measured before the injection and one week later. The study found that both PRP and the steroid injection reduced pain and clicking more than saline, and PRP also improved how wide patients could open their mouth.

Inclusion Criteria: * Inclusion Criteria: * Skeletally mature patients aged 18 years or older * Symptomatic TMJ internal derangement in the form of disc displacement with reduction (DDwR), diagnosed using DC/TMD Axis I clinical criteria * TMJ arthralgia confirmed by pain reproduced on palpation or provoked by jaw movement * Clicking sound detectable on palpation or auscultation during opening and closing movements * Elimination or marked reduction of the click on mouth opening from a protruded position Exclusion Criteria: * Intra-articular injection within the previous six months * Systemic inflammatory arthropathy * Coagulopathy * Active local infection * Low platelet count * Ongoing antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy * Pregnancy