Injection Therapies in Temporomandibular Region

Abstract

The indications for injection therapies in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are myofascial pain syndrome, osteoarthritis of TMJ, non-reducing disc displacements, TMJ involvement of inflammatory diseases, bruxism, masseter hypertrophy, orofacial dystonia and trigeminal neuralgia. Intra-articular injections, local trigger point injections, dry needling, botulinum toxin injections, and ganglion blocks are frequently used in this region. The general complications of the injections are bleeding, infections, syncope, local or severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. In the TMJ region, similar with the other parts of the body, success of the injection therapies depends on correct patient sellection, attention to application rules, using the right and adequate injection technique, and regular follow-up of the patients together with exercise program in post-injection period. Turk J Phys Med Rehab 2010; 56 Suppl 1:1-6.