NCT06756412

The Effects of an Exercise Regimen Following TMJ Arthrocentesis

Investigation of the Efficacy of an Exercise Regimen Following Arthrocentesis in the Management of Temporomandibular Disorders

• Status: Completed
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 36 (actual)
• Sponsor: Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The goal of this study is to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of a self-administered exercise program on pain levels, jaw movement range, and jaw function in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The main question it aims to answer is: Does adding a self-administered exercise program to arthrocentesis improve pain, mouth opening, and jaw function compared to arthrocentesis alone in patients with TMJ disorders? Participants with acute or chronic TMJ pain lasting at least three months and limited mouth opening will undergo arthrocentesis, with one group also following an exercise regimen. Outcomes will be assessed over a 6-month follow-up period.

Conditions

• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Temporomandibular Joint Arthrocentesis	The symptomatic temporomandibular joint (TMJ), either right or left, will be anesthetized using an auriculotemporal nerve block and intracapsular anesthesia. The arthrocentesis procedure will be performed using the double-puncture technique. A 21-gauge needle will be inserted into the posterior region of the joint capsule, targeting the upper joint compartment at a point located 10 mm anterior to the tragus. A second 21-gauge needle will be introduced into the anterior region of the joint capsule, also targeting the upper compartment, at a point located 20 mm anterior to the tragus. The upper joint compartment will then be irrigated with a minimum of 200 mL of saline solution through one of the needles.
PROCEDURE	Self Exercise Following Arthrocentesis	Following the arthrocentesis procedure described for the other study group, patients will undergo a standardized exercise regimen based on established literature. The regimen includes two sets of movements. The first set involves freely opening the jaw, shifting it right, left, and forward, and repeating these movements while applying finger resistance-closing the mouth against the pressure or forcing the jaw open with the fingers. Each movement will last 10 seconds and be performed 10 times daily. The second set aims to improve the mandibular condyle-articular disc relationship. Patients will open their mouth as wide as possible, advance their lower jaw fully, and close their teeth in an edge-to-edge position. These movements will be performed three times daily for 5 minutes after meals.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-06-08
• Primary completion: 2024-01-15
• Completion: 2024-07-16
• First posted: 2025-01-03
• Last updated: 2025-01-03

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)