Effects of arthrocentesis and low-level laser therapy on patients with osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint

This retrospective study examined whether arthrocentesis combined with 10 sessions of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) improved the clinical outcomes of patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) compared with arthrocentesis alone. Data from two groups of patients (total: n=36) with unilateral TMJ-OA were evaluated. The groups were established according to their treatment regimens: Group 1 (arthrocentesis alone; n=19) and Group 2 (arthrocentesis plus LLLT; n=17). All patients had been diagnosed in accordance with the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (RDC/TMD) (Axis I Group IIIb) protocol. They all underwent the same arthrocentesis protocol, but those in Group 2 also received 10 sessions of LLLT immediately afterwards. The outcome variables were the visual analogue scale scores (VAS 1, VAS 2) for various treatment outcomes and millimetric measurements of mandibular movements over both the short and long term. Intra-group comparisons showed significant short and long-term improvements for both groups, but outcomes were better over the long term than the short term in both. In addition, greater improvements in muscle palpation scores and mandibular movements were achieved in Group 2 than in Group 1. In conclusion, although both techniques improved joint pain and function, a combination with LLLT seemed to have an additional benefit for myofascial components.