Clinical Outcomes of Ultrasound-Guided TMJ Arthrocentesis in Post-Traumatic Internal Derangement: A Prospective Single-Arm Clinical Study

Authors

• Ahmed Emad Mohamed Ghaly, Resident, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, EgyptFollow
• Nabil Mokhtar Mohammed, Lecturer, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
• Mohamed Radwan Elhadidy, Professor, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
• Mohammed Hassan El Fahar, Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt

Subject Area

Burns and Plastic Surgery

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background: The most common condition is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement (ID). common TMJ disorder. It is defined as an abnormal displacement of the articular disc from its normal position relative to the condyle during joint function.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of ultrasound-guided temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis in patients with post-traumatic internal derangement, the effectiveness of the procedure in reducing pain intensity, improving mandibular range of motion (maximum mouth opening and lateral excursions), decreasing TMJ clicking, and determining the overall clinical success rate over a 6-month follow up period.

Patients and methods: This prospective single-arm non-randomized study was conducted on 25 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided TMJ arthrocentesis after failure of conservative management.

Follow-up assessments were performed at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.

Result: Maximum mouth opening improved significantly from 25.8 ± 3.2 mm preoperatively to 42.5 ± 3.7 mm at 6 months (p < 0.001). Clinical success according to AAOMS criteria was achieved in 88% of patients. Significant reductions in pain intensity and TMJ clicking were also observed during follow-up (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis is a safe, minimally invasive technique that provides precise joint lavage with minimal complications. It leads to significant pain relief, improved mandibular function, and reduced TMJ clicking, offering effective outcomes especially when conservative treatment fails.

Recommended Citation

Ghaly, Ahmed Emad Mohamed; Mohammed, Nabil Mokhtar; Elhadidy, Mohamed Radwan; and El Fahar, Mohammed Hassan (2026) "Clinical Outcomes of Ultrasound-Guided TMJ Arthrocentesis in Post-Traumatic Internal Derangement: A Prospective Single-Arm Clinical Study," Mansoura Medical Journal: Vol. 55 : Iss. 6 , Article 13.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.58775/2735-3990.1581

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