Effect of platelet-rich plasma injection combined with individualized comprehensive physical therapy on temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: a prospective cohort study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nThe effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection combined with physical therapy for the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) has not been studied.\n\n\nOBJECTIVES\nTo assess the effectiveness of PRP injection combined with individualized comprehensive physical therapy for the treatment of TMJ-OA.\n\n\nMETHODS\nThis prospective cohort study included 40 patients with TMJ-OA who received PRP injection or PRP injection combined with individualized comprehensive physical therapy. Pain intensity, maximum mouth opening, temporomandibular joint sounds, and the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS) scores and imaging findings were compared before treatment and during follow-up.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe pain intensity, maximum mouth opening, and temporomandibular joint sounds of the two groups significantly improved with an increase in treatment time (P < 0.05). The pain improvement in the combined treatment group was greater than that in the PRP injection group at 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05). The improvement of mouth opening was better in the combined treatment group, whereas the improvement of joint sounds was better in the PRP injection group. The improvement in JFLS scores in the combined treatment group was greater than that in the PRP injection group at 6 months (P < 0.05). The imaging improvement rates of the two groups were similar.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nPRP injection can significantly improve pain, mouth opening, abnormal joint sound, and mandibular function in patients with TMJ-OA and has good repair effect on condylar bone defects. PRP injection combined with individualized comprehensive physical therapy can effectively control the medium- and long-term pain of patients.