BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are several noninvasive treatments described in the literature for internal temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, including counseling, drug therapy, physical therapy and interocclusal devices. However, some patients become refractory to conservative treatments, and procedures such as arthrocentesis, arthroscopy and ATM surgeries are indicated. Viscossuplementation is a less invasive, inexpensive and effective approach in the short and medium run. This study aimed at discussing viscossuplementation to treat internal TMJ disorders with 2 clinical case reports end 12-month follow-up. CASE REPORTS: Two patients with TMJ arthralgia and refractory to conservative treatment were submitted to weekly infiltrations of sodium hialorunate for three weeks. Pain and mouth opening amplitude were improved in the first two weeks, and remained constant throughout the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: TMJ viscossuplementation was an effective approach to control articular pain, also improving mandibular function in our cases. Controlled clinical trials with significant samples should be carried out to understand its actual effectiveness to treat TMD.
Hialuronic acid; Temporomandibular joint; Treatment
