Is the modified double-puncture arthrocentesis technique effective in terms of clinical outcomes?

Abstract

We aimed to compare the clinical results of the modified double-puncture arthrocentesis technique with the results of the conventional double-puncture and single-puncture techniques. Patients who underwent unilateral arthrocentesis and had stage 2–4 internal irregularities according to Wilkes classification were included in the study. The outcome variables were pain, maximum mouth opening, quality of life, and duration of the procedure. Data were analysed preoperatively and 1st-day, 1st-week, and 1st-month after the procedure. A total of 52 patients (49-females, 3-males) with complete records were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 32.7 ± 15.6 years. There was no significant difference between the three techniques in terms of outcome variables at all times (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference between the single puncture technique and the other techniques in terms of procedure time (p < 0.05). No superiority of the modified double-puncture arthrocentesis was found in terms of clinical results.