Role of Intra-articular Piroxicam in the Temporomandibular Joint After Arthrocentesis for Anterior Disc Displacement Without Reduction

Study design: This is comparative experimental research to evaluate the role of piroxicam in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after arthrocentesis. Objective: To evaluate the role of intra-articular piroxicam in the temporomandibular joint after arthrocentesis for anterior disc displacement without reduction. Material and methods: Twenty-two individuals (twenty-two TMJs) were evaluated clinically and radiographically for the study, and then they were randomly assigned to one of two groups. As for group I, they were given arthrocentesis using Ringer's solution (100 ml). Group II received an intra-articular injection of 20 mg/mL of piroxicam (in 1 mL of Ringer's solution) after arthrocentesis (100 mL). The same individuals were assessed both before and after surgery to determine the degree to which their symptoms had improved. Patients were seen in the clinic once a week for the first month after surgery, then once a month for the next three months. Result: Group II patients presented with better results when compared with Group I. Conclusion: It can be concluded that installing a 1 ml intra-articular injection of piroxicam at a concentration of 20 mg/ml after arthrocentesis improves the relief of symptoms, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Relief of TMJ symptoms reduced the anxiety in the patients as evaluated by the BAIS (Beck’s Anxiety Inventory Scale) score.