Ultrasound vs. arthroscopy: which injection works better for TMJ pain?
NCT ID NCT07535073
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests two methods of injecting platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) into the jaw joint for people with a displaced disc that causes pain and limited mouth opening. One method uses ultrasound to guide the needle, the other uses a tiny camera (arthroscope). The goal is to see which approach reduces pain and improves jaw function better. The trial will enroll 18 adults who have not improved with standard treatments like splints or physical therapy.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- platelet rich fibrin (PRF) injection
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that a simpler, ultrasound-guided injection works as well as arthroscopic surgery for TMJ pain, offering a less invasive option.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small early trial (18 people) comparing two procedures, so results may not apply widely. PRF injections may not provide lasting relief, and both procedures carry risks like infection or pain.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 18 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
-
May 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
-
Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 60 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 18-60 years. * Clinically and radiographically diagnosed temporomandibular joint disc displacemet with reduction. * Presence of TMJ pain exacerbated by mandibular movement. * Limited mandibular function and/or reduced maximum mouth opening. * Symptoms persisting for at least 3 months. * Failure of conservative treatment (e.g. occlusal splint, physiotherapy, NSAIDs). -Ability to understand the study protocol and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous TMJ surgery or arthroscopic intervention. * Intra-articular injection in the TMJ within the last 6 months. * Systemic inflammatory or autoimmune joint diseases. * Coagulation disorders or current anticoagulant therapy. * Active local infection at the injection site. * Pregnancy or lactation. * Severe degenerative joint disease (advanced osteoarthritis). * Known allergy or contraindication to ( PRF) preparation.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for TMJ disc displacement with reduction are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.