Corticosteroids as Additive in Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Arthrocentesis

• Change from Baseline in TMJ pain at 24 weeks [ Time Frame: 0 (T0), and at 1 (T1), 3 (T2) and 24 (T3) weeks. ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Change over 24 weeks from baseline for TMJ pain at rest and during mandibular movements. Measured by a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), limited by "no pain" and "worst pain imaginable".
  
  
• Change from Baseline in Maximal interincisal opening at 24 weeks [ Time Frame: T0, and at T1, T2 and T3. ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Change over 24 weeks from baseline maximal interincisal opening at rest and during mandibular movements . Measured in mm between the incisal edges of the center incisors.
  
  

• Change from baseline of mandibular function impairment at 24 weeks. [ Time Frame: T0, T1, T2 and T3 ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Change over 24 weeks from baseline for the MFIQ. The MFIQ is a questionnaire assessing, on a five point scale, discomfort while performing mandibular functions and during eating of food with different consistencies (range of 0 - 68).
  
  

The arthrocentesis procedure was performed under local anaesthesia and took place in a closed operation room under controlled conditions. After marking the points for insertion of the needles, a first 18 gauge injection needle was inserted into the upper intra-articular space of the TMJ. Correct positioning of the needle was determined by injecting and aspirating saline. Subsequently, a second 18 gauge needle was inserted into the upper joint space about 8-10 mm anterior of the first needle. Correct positioning of the second needle was confirmed by allowing injected saline to leave the joint through the first needle. After positioning of the needles, one needle was connected to a medical infusion system to passively allow isotonic saline of 37 degrees Celsius to enter the upper joint compartment. The other needle was connected to an outflow tube to allow the fluid to exit the joint. In about 15 minutes, approximately 300 ml saline passively flushed the joint. Thereafter, the inflow was stopped and the prepared syringe (see randomisation procedure) that contained either dexamethasone or saline was connected to the inflow needle. In this way, either 1 cc of dexamethasone or an equal amount of saline was washed through the joint in a blinded way. At the end of the procedure, the needles were removed from the joint, and after hemostasis by compression (if necessary) the skin overlying the TMJ was covered with a sterile band aid.

All patients were then instructed to avoid TMJ loading by following a soft diet for at least two weeks, then gradually advancing to more tough food. In addition, ibuprofen 600 mg 3dd was prescribed for the first 2-5 days to reduce any postoperative pain. All procedures were performed by one surgeon.

Follow up visits were scheduled after 1 (T1), 3 (T2) and 24 (T3) weeks.