The clinical efficiency of platelet rich plasma in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders

INTRODUCTION: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a clinically significant condition which can be a source of acute or chronic orofacial pain and dysfunction including limitation of mandibular movement. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a blood product that allows in a simple, low cost, and minimally invasive way to obtain a concentration of many growth factors when activated. Many researchers proved PRP safety and efficacy in the management of musculo articular disorders. OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the efficiency of intra-articular PRP injection in comparison with conventional arthrocentesis in the treatment of TMD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients suffering from TMD were included in the study diagnosed according to The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) and divided into two groups as follow; ten patients underwent intra-articular injections of 2 ml PRP into the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (study group) and the other ten patients were treated by the conventional arthrocentesis using Ringer’s solution (control group). The patients were clinically evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at the intervals of 1week, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: The differences between the two groups in all the measured parameters were statistically insignificant throughout the postoperative period. But PRP group showed superior result than arthrocentesis group regarding pain and tenderness, and inferior result in clicking. CONCLUSIONS: PRP injection is a safe and effective method in the treatment of TMDs.