1 Post Graduate, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed-to-be-University), Pune, India
2 Professor, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed-to-be-University), Pune, India
3 Professor and Head of Department, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed-to-be-University), Pune, India
4 Post Graduate, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed-to-be-University), Pune, India
5 Post Graduate, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed-to-be-University), Pune, India
6 Post Graduate, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed-to-be-University), Pune, India
Corresponding Author: Sonal B. Shah, Email: sonalbshah@rediffmail.com
Received: 20th Feb, 2026 | Revised: 4th Mar, 2026 | Accepted: 25th Mar, 2026 | Available Online: 10th Apr, 2026
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of arthrocentesis combined with occlusal splint therapy, compared with arthrocentesis alone or control interventions, in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), focusing on pain reduction and improvement in mandibular function.
Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 and registered in PROSPERO. Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials, prospective studies, and retrospective studies published from January 2000 to December 2024. Eligible studies included patients with TMDs who received arthrocentesis with occlusal splints, and compared outcomes against arthrocentesis alone or control interventions. Outcomes assessed were pain (including VAS where reported), maximum mouth opening (MMO), protrusive movements, and lateral excursive movements. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane ROB-2 tool. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using standardized mean difference (SMD) as the effect estimate, and publication bias was assessed using funnel plot analysis.
Results: Nine studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and six were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the included studies showed low risk of bias. Pooled analysis demonstrated greater pain reduction in the arthrocentesis plus occlusal splint group at 1, 3, and 6 months compared with arthrocentesis alone, though these between-group differences were not statistically significant. Improvements in MMO and mandibular movements (protrusive and lateral excursions) were consistently higher with combined therapy. Longitudinal analysis from baseline to 6 months showed statistically significant reductions in pain and significant increases in MMO (p < 0.001). Funnel plot assessment did not suggest publication bias.
Conclusion: Arthrocentesis combined with occlusal splint therapy appears to provide sustained pain relief and functional improvement in patients with TMDs and may be considered a reliable, minimally invasive treatment approach. However, further high-quality randomized controlled trials using standardized treatment protocols and longer follow-up are needed to confirm the magnitude and durability of benefit.
Keywords: Arthrocentesis; Mandibular movements; Mouth opening; Occlusal splints; Pain; Temporomandibular joint disorders.
How to cite this article: Shitole D, Shah SB, Rudagi BM, Raut S, Goel D, Athwani P. Effectiveness of Arthrocentesis Combined with Occlusal Splint Therapy for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(29s):81-92. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.29s.11
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.