Which surgery unlocks a locked jaw? a Head-to-Head test
NCT ID NCT06782178
First seen Aug 06, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial compares two surgical techniques for treating a painful jaw condition called disc displacement without reduction, where the jaw's cushioning disc slips out of place and limits mouth opening. Participants will receive either arthroscopic lysis and lavage, a procedure that rinses the joint and breaks up adhesions, or arthrocentesis, a simpler irrigation, both under general anesthesia. The study will measure improvements in mouth opening, jaw pain, and disability over two years, and also look for factors that predict success. The goal is to determine which method offers better relief for people with this disabling condition.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Arthroscopic lysis and lavage (a surgical procedure to rinse the jaw joint and break up adhesions) compared to arthrocentesis (a blind irrigation of the joint with saline).
- What this could lead to
- If arthroscopic lysis and lavage proves superior, it could become the preferred surgical option for people with painful, locked jaw joints, offering better mouth opening and pain relief.
- What could go wrong
- This is a randomized trial with 100 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Both procedures are invasive and carry risks such as infection, swelling, or temporary nerve irritation, and the study does not guarantee long-term benefit.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS (TMD) are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Karolinska Institutet
RECRUITINGHuddinge, 14104, Sweden
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Could a smartphone Check-In ease chronic jaw pain?
- Jaw pain surgery showdown: which arthroscopic technique wins?
- Pilates may offer a new path to jaw pain relief
- Could gentle manual therapy unlock relief for chronic jaw pain?
- Can a gentle electrical patch ease jaw pain faster?
- Could a simple mineral injection beat standard care for jaw pain?