Comparison between two viscosupplementation protocols for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis

Objective This clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy of two protocols using high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) intra-articular injection in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis and evaluate involvement of subchondral bone changes and psychosocial factors as predictors of HA treatment. Methods Twenty-one individuals were divided into two groups: (A) received three intra-articular HA injections, and (B) received one injection. Outcomes observed were pain intensity, functional limitation, maximum voluntary mouth opening, maximum assisted mouth opening, and treatment tolerability. Follow-ups were performed weekly for 21 days, and two months after the treatment started. Results No statistically significant intergroup differences were observed in any of the evaluated outcomes. However, Group A showed significant improvement in all outcomes, whereas Group B showed significant improvement only in pain intensity and functional limitation. Conclusion This study demonstrated the effectiveness of both protocols in terms of pain intensity and functional limitation caused by osteoarthritis.

Automated summary

This study compared the efficacy of two protocols using high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) intra-articular injection in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis, and evaluated the predictive role of subchondral bone changes and psychosocial factors in HA treatment. The results showed that both protocols were effective in reducing pain intensity and functional limitation caused by osteoarthritis, with the three-injection protocol showing more significant improvement in all outcomes.