Evaluation of the efficacy of injectable platelet rich fibrin (I-PRF) in the management of clicking in internal temporomandibular joint disorders

Abstract

Background: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the body. The TMJ disorders are one of the most troublesome disorders for patients, as they can cause pain, affect oral functions and disturb dentists on the level of diagnosis and treatment. The most common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder are articulated sounds (such as clicking or TMJ crepitation), joint pain in comfort and function situations (jaw movements), pain or strain in masseter and jaw muscles and or restricted mandibular movements. One of the most modern biocompatible substances used to treat joints disorders, including the TMJ, is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and injectable platelet rich fibrin (I-PRF). This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin (I-PRF) in treating a clicking in internal temporomandibular joint disorders. Methods: Twenty patients suffering from a unilateral click due to TMJ disorders were individually injected with 1 mL of (I-PRF) twice one week apart into the superior joint space of the TMJ with the internal disorder. Data were recorded and evaluated by the Helkimo index. This evaluation was conducted three times; one week after the first injection, one week after the second injection, and six months after the first injection.Results: The clicking was disappeared entirely in 14 out of 20 patients after one week of getting the first injection, and in all patients after one week of getting the second injection, and returned to two of them after a six-month since the first injection. Conclusion: Preliminary results showed the efficacy of the Injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin (I-PRF) in managing articular clicking in patients with internal disorders of the temporomandibular joint. Injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin has significant clinical efficacy in treating the articular clicking resulting from internal temporomandibular joint disorders.Trial Registration: Retrospectively registered, ACTRN12622000397718