Arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint: a proposal for a single-needle technique

Arthrocentesis is a method of flushing out the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that is currently performed by providing a double access to the joint space. Several studies have shown that arthrocentesis of the upper compartment of the TMJ may be a highly effective method to restore normal maximal mouth opening and functioning. Nonetheless, the classical 2-needle technique has some limits, such as the low tolerability and difficulty in performing it in the presence of intra-articular adherences. The adoption of a single-needle for both fluid injection and aspiration might have some advantages with respect to the traditional 2-needle approach in terms of time of execution, tolerability, and retention of medication. These potential advantages have to be assessed with future randomized and controlled clinical trials.