Evaluating the role of intra articular injection of platelet‐rich fibrin in the management of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: A STROBE compliant retrospective study

Abstract Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating disease. A number of treatments like conservative approach, minimally invasive procedures and surgical therapy have proved to be beneficial. However, there is no consensus regarding the use of a single modality of treatment. Our current study evaluates the role of intra articular injection iPRF along with arthrocentesis for the management of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ‐OA). A total of 130 patients were selected and divided into two groups, Group A (arthrocentesis only group) and Group B (arthrocentesis +i‐PRF). Patients were evaluated for pain scores and maximal mouth opening (MMO). After 1 year, mouth opening in arthrocentesis‐only group was 32.13 ± 1.46 mm compared with 36.48 ± 0.89 mm in the i‐PRF group (p‐value <0.0001). There was a significant reduction in mouth opening in Group A from 6 months to 1 year compared with Group B (p‐value <0.001).There was no statistical difference in mean VAS scores at the end of 6 months (p‐value 1.00). Addition of iPRF to arthrocentesis did not improve joint pain after 6 months. Nevertheless, repeated injections did have a beneficial effect in MMO. Within the limitations of the study repeated injections of iPRF in conjunction with arthrocentesis might be recommended for the treatment of mild TMJ‐OA.