Comparison of intra-articular injection of plasma rich in growth factors versus hyaluronic acid following arthroscopy in the treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction: A randomised prospective study

Abstract

Purpose: The main objective of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the injection of plasma rich in platelet-derived growth factors (PRGF) versus hyaluronic acid (HA) following arthroscopic surgery in patients diagnosed with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with osteoarthritis (OA).

Materials and methods: A total of 100 patients were randomised into two study groups. Group A (n = 50) received an injection of PRGF, and Group B (n = 50) received an injection of HA. The mean age was 35.5 years (range 18-77 years), and 88% of the patients were women. The pain intensity (visual analogue scale) and the extent of maximum mouth opening before and after the procedure were statistically analysed.

Results: Better results were observed in the group treated with PRGF, with a significant reduction in pain at 18 months, compared with HA treatment. Regarding mouth opening, an increase was observed in both groups, with no significant difference.

Conclusions: The injection of PRGF following arthroscopy is more effective than the injection of HA with respect to pain in patients with advanced internal derangement of the TMJ.

Keywords: Arthroscopy; Hyaluronic acid; Internal derangement; Osteoarthritis; Plasma rich in platelet-derived growth factors; Temporomandibular disorder.