Pressurized infusion of sodium hyaluronate for closed lock of the temporomandibular joint. Part I: A case study.

Patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) report a myriad of problems including headaches, facial pain, limited mouth opening capacity, and clicking and/or grating sounds from the temporomandibular joints. Although conservative therapy with an occlusal splint can bring relief for many of these patients, a small number of subjects must be treated by means of surgical procedures. Direct injections of either air or fluids (saline, local anesthetic, corticosteroid, hyaluronate) into the superior and/or inferior temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cavities have gained popularity. The injection of a local anesthetic and hyaluronic acid can provide relief for patients with persistent, painful nontranslatory closed-lock conditions of the TMJs. As documented through objective electronic and computer-enhanced measurements, this case report describes the effect of sodium hyaluronate on a closed lock condition of the TMJ. This case report explains the methodology employed for a larger group of closed lock patients treated and monitored for over one year. The results of that larger group will be reported at a later time after long-term efficacy is confirmed.