THE TLINICAL EFFICACY OF AUTOLOGOUS CONCENTRATED PLATELETS IN TREATMENT OF TMJ DISORDERS - A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Platelet rich plasma is a natural concentrate of autologous blood growth factor which is obtained by sequestering and concentrating platelets by gradient density centrifugation experimented in different fields of medicine in order to test its potential to enhance tissue regeneration. These platelets when activated undergo degranulation to release growth factors with healing properties. It also contains plasma, cytokines, thrombin, and other growth factors that are implicated in wound healing and have inherent biological and adhesive properties. The aim of the study is to explore a novel approach to treat degenerative lesion of the articular cartilage of temporomandibular joint. Patients with chronic degenerative conditions of the joint, were treated with intra articular PRP injections. The procedure involved collection of 10 ml of venous blood and twice centrifuged to obtain 2 ml of PRP which was used for injection after activation by calcium chloride. The patients were clinically prospectively evaluated before and at the end of the treatment, and at 2, 4, and 6 months of follow up. Inter incisical mouth opening, clicking of temporomandibular joint and VAS for pain were used for clinical evaluation. The results showed significant improvement of all clinical scores from basal evaluation to the end of the therapy and on follow up at 2-6 months. The preliminary results indicate that the treatment with PRP injections are safe and has the potential to reduce pain and improvement joint function with low degree of articular degeneration.