Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin: A Promising First-Line Therapy for Temporomandibular Joint Hypermobility

Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the dislodgement of the head of the condyle from its normal position in the glenoid fossa. At its worst, the condition limits the patient in his day to day life by causing frequent and uncontrolled locking episodes. Hypermobility and habitual luxation of the TMJ may cause injury to the disk, the capsule, and the ligaments, leading to progressive internal derangement. Conservative approaches should be considered as first line treatment for such disorders. In this study, we establish the versatility and virtually negligible complication rate associated with one such treatment modality, the use of Injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin injections (I-PRF) into the joint space which has yielded favorable outcomes.

26 patients diagnosed clinically with hypermobility of the TMJ were selected after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. All the patients underwent single injection I-PRF being injected into the superior joint space (SJS) and periarticular tissues under local anesthesia (LA). Postoperatively, patients were assessed at 1st and 3rd months for reduction in maximal interincisal mouth opening, TMJ pain, reduction in locking episodes and clicking sounds.

In terms of parameters assessed post injection, the mouth opening showed significant reduction from the baseline up to the 3 months follow up period. Similarly, the locking episodes, pain score and joint sounds too showed significant reduction from the baseline values to 3 months follow up period.

I-PRF is a simple, minimally invasive and cost effective procedure that can be tried prior to other joint injections or invasive surgical procedures.