Anterior disc displacement with reduction (DDwR) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a prevalent condition characterized by the displacement of the articular disc during jaw movement, often leading to pain, clicking sounds, and restricted mouth opening. Traditional treatments include conservative approaches such as physical therapy, occlusal splints, and pharmacological interventions. However, for patients unresponsive to these methods, intra-articular injections of regenerative therapies like microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have emerged as promising alternatives.
Arthrocentesis first described by Nitzan et al. [1.2] is the simplest intervention on the TMJ with the aim to decrease joint pain and improve the range of motion in patients not responding to initial conservative treatment.
Arthrocentesis consists of an intraarticular lavage using 2 needles placed in the upper joint space. It is a versatile technique which can be performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting as well Arthrocentesis has been demonstrated to be a very effective procedure with a high success rate and a favorable benefit-cost ratio.
In addition to arthrocentesis:
Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) Injections MFAT involves the extraction and processing of adipose tissue to create a suspension rich in mesenchymal stem cells, growth factors, and extracellular matrix components. This suspension is then injected into the affected joint to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
A study published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine in 2023 evaluated the efficacy of MFAT injections in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The results demonstrated significant improvements in joint pain and functionality, with median changes in the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Pain subscale ranging from 18.1 at week 2 to 27.8 at 1 year. These findings suggest that MFAT may be a viable alternative treatment for patients with joint conditions who fall into the orthopedic treatment gap.
While this study focused on knee osteoarthritis, the regenerative properties of MFAT suggest potential applicability to TMJ disorders. However, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in the TMJ context.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections PRP therapy involves concentrating platelets from the patient's own blood and injecting them into the affected joint to stimulate healing.
A systematic review published in BMC Oral Health in 2024 examined the effectiveness of PRP injections for TMJ disorders. The review concluded that PRP injections, particularly when combined with arthrocentesis, were effective in reducing pain and improving mandibular function in patients with TMJ internal derangement.
Additionally, a study in the Open Journal of Stomatology in 2023 evaluated the effect of platelet-rich growth factors (PRGFs) in the treatment of TMJ disc displacement. The results indicated that PRGFs could be a possible alternative treatment for patients who did not respond to standard treatments, showing early efficacy in reducing pain and improving joint function.
Comparative Efficacy While both MFAT and PRP injections have demonstrated efficacy in treating joint disorders, direct comparative studies in the context of TMJ anterior disc displacement with reduction are limited. The existing literature primarily focuses on individual therapies rather than head-to-head comparisons. Therefore, it is challenging to definitively conclude which treatment offers superior outcomes for TMJ disorders.
