Outcomes of arthrocentesis and arthroscopy in the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a retrospective analysis
Authors' conclusion
Minimally invasive TMJ procedures provide meaningful but often temporary symptomatic relief in JIA-associated TMJ arthritis.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and symptomatic TMJ involvement who underwent TMJ arthrocentesis or arthroscopy, 2014–2023 (96% female; mean age 15.7 years at first intervention)
- Participants
- 45 patients
- Exposure
- Arthrocentesis vs Arthroscopy
- Outcome
- Function (Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS-20)), pain (incl. Characteristic Pain Index (CPI) from the Graded Chronic Pain Scale) and maximal interincisal opening (MIO)
- Follow-up
- Early (0-3 months), intermediate (3-9 months), and late (9-24 months)
Methodological detailsregression analyses, Intra-articular corticosteroid injection administered in 80%
- Regression analyses
- Intra-articular corticosteroid injection administered in 80%
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Function, pain and mouth opening after minimally invasive TMJ procedures · early and intermediate follow-up
- Significant early and intermediate improvements in function, pain, and mouth opening
- p < 0.05
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Additional procedures (re-intervention) during follow-up
- Study subjects requiring additional procedures during follow-up; recurrent symptoms common
- 20 (44%)
Predictors of improvement and re-intervention
- Procedure type and JIA subtype not associated with outcomes
- MRI-confirmed synovitis, greater baseline functional limitation, DMARD use and younger age predicted greater early improvement
- Higher number of tender sites predicted both early pain improvement and increased likelihood of re-intervention
Original publication
Outcomes of arthrocentesis and arthroscopy in the management of TMJ involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a retrospective analysis. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. Published 31 July 2026. doi:10.
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