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CompletedNCT07020455Updated Jun 13, 2025

Is the Combine Prolotherapy More Effective Than the Traditional Prolotherapy in Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Hypermobility?

A Phase 4 interventional study of prolotherapy solution of 20% dextrose and Arthrocentesis with ringer solution in Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), Temporomandibular Pain and Hypermobility Syndrome (Disorder), sponsored by Karadeniz Technical University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey. Open to participants aged 17 Years to 46 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-06-13.

Sponsored by Karadeniz Technical University · Phase 4, Interventional, and Treatment

From the registry’s dates

  • Registered 6 years 5 months after the study started (first participant enrolled Jan 2019, registered Jun 2025).
Phase
Phase 4
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
26
Allocation
Non-randomized
Ages
17 Years to 46 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

  1. Diagnosis and Indication You have been diagnosed with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) hypermobility and/or dysfunction, characterized by symptoms such as jaw clicking, locking, pain in the joint area, or difficulty in opening and closing the mouth. After clinical and radiographic evaluation, the recommended treatment includes arthrocentesis and prolotherapy, either alone or in combination.
  2. Description of Procedures

    A. TMJ Arthrocentesis:

    This is a minimally invasive procedure in which small needles are inserted into the TMJ space to irrigate the joint using sterile fluid (e.g., Ringer's solution). The procedure aims to eliminate inflammatory mediators, release joint adhesions, and improve mandibular mobility. It is generally performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.

    B. Prolotherapy:

    Prolotherapy involves the injection of an irritant solution (typically dextrose combined with a local anesthetic) into the joint capsule, ligaments, or surrounding tissue. The goal is to stimulate the body's natural healing response, promoting collagen production and tissue regeneration to improve joint stability and function.

    C. Combined Approach:

    In certain cases, both treatments may be performed during the same session to maximize clinical benefit-arthrocentesis addresses inflammation and mobility, while prolotherapy enhances long-term stabilization.

  3. Benefits and Expected Outcomes Reduction in TMJ pain and joint clicking

    Improved jaw function and range of motion

    Stabilization of the joint and reduced recurrence of dislocation or subluxation

    Minimally invasive and generally well-tolerated

  4. Possible Risks and Complications

    Although these procedures are generally safe, potential risks may include but are not limited to:

    Mild pain or swelling at the injection site

    Temporary facial numbness or weakness (rare and usually self-resolving)

    Dizziness or light-headedness

    Joint stiffness or infection (very rare)

    Allergic reaction to anesthetic or injected substances

  5. Alternatives to the Proposed Procedure

    You have the right to consider other treatment options, which may include:

    Physical therapy or jaw exercises

    Oral splints or bite guards

    Medication (analgesics, muscle relaxants)

    Surgical interventions (if conservative methods fail)

  6. Patient Instructions and Post-Procedure Care Avoid wide mouth opening, yawning, or chewing hard foods for several days

Use only recommended medications (e.g., acetaminophen/paracetamol); avoid anti-inflammatory drugs unless advised otherwise

Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling if necessary

Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience severe pain, prolonged numbness, fever, or signs of infection

02

Conditions studied

  • Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
  • Temporomandibular Pain
  • Hypermobility Syndrome (Disorder)
  • Hypermobility, Joint
  • Arthrocentesis
  • Prolotherapy

Keywords

  • hypermobility
  • subluxation
  • prolotherapy
  • arthrocentesis
03

In context

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

591 studies on the registry are indexed under Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; 149 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 26 is below the median of 45 across 415 interventional studies indexed under Temporomandibular Joint Disorders.

Browse Temporomandibular Joint Disorders studies →

Lead sponsor

Karadeniz Technical University is the lead sponsor of 153 studies on the registry; 22 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
17 Years to 46 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  • patients with unilateral or bilateral TMJ hypermobility
  • history of open locking
  • complaints of joint sounds and facial pain
  • treated with combine or traditionally prolotherapy
  • followed for at least 3 months
  • the diagnosis of the patients was confirmed by TMJ radiography

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • patients who underwent discectomy
  • patients with active infection (fever, redness, oedema, loss of function, etc.)
  • pathological findings (tumour, cyst, etc.) in the related area were excluded
  • patients with systemic disorders that could affect the results
05

Study design

Phase
Phase 4
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Non-randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single (Participant)
Enrollment
26 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Combined Prolotherapy Group

    Patients with TMJ hypermobility underwent arthrocentesis for joint pain in addition to prolotherapy.

    Drug: prolotherapy solution of 20% dextrose · Drug: Arthrocentesis with ringer solution

  • Active comparator
    Traditional Prolotherapy Group

    Prolotherapy was applied to patients with TMJ hypermobility.

    Drug: prolotherapy solution of 20% dextrose

Interventions

  • Drugprolotherapy solution of 20% dextrose

    Polotherapy, it involves injecting an irritant solution into weakened joints, ligaments, or tendons to stimulate collagen production and tissue repair at fibro-osseous junctions.

  • DrugArthrocentesis with ringer solution

    Integrating arthrocentesis with prolotherapy may enhance therapeutic outcomes by addressing both the mechanical and inflammatory aspects of TMJ hypermobility. This dual-modality technique presents a promising minimally invasive option for clinicians managing patients with joint instability.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain intensity of TMJ

    Pain intensity of TMJ evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire. VAS is designated by an marked horizontal line, 10 mm long, scored from 0 (no pain) to 10 (intolerable pain), anchored by word identifiers at each end. Patients marked the point on the line that they thought represented their current situation.

    Time frame: From pre-treatment to the 3rd month after treatment

Secondary outcomes

  1. Maximal interincisal opening (MIO)

    Maximal interincisal opening (MIO) was recorded by measuring the distance between the incisal edges of the upper and lower incisors in the midline with the help of a ruler. Maximal interincisal opening was measured preoperatively (T0), postoperatively 1 week (T1), 1 month (T2) and 3 months (T3).

    Time frame: From pre-treatment to the 3rd month after treatment

Other outcomes

  1. TMJ sounds

    TMJ sounds were evaluated as click or no click during mouth opening. The presence of clicking sound and pain were evaluated preoperatively and 3 months. The other variables studied were demographic data (gender and age) and the affected side.

    Time frame: From pre-treatment to the 3rd month after treatment

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Karadeniz Technical University
    Trabzon, 61040, Turkey
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Comert Kilic S, Gungormus M. Is dextrose prolotherapy superior to placebo for the treatment of temporomandibular joint hypermobility? A randomized clinical trial. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2016 Jul;45(7):813-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2016.01.006. Epub 2016 Feb 2. PubMed 26846795 ↗
  • Dasukil S, Shetty SK, Arora G, Degala S. Efficacy of Prolotherapy in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: An Exploratory Study. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2021 Mar;20(1):115-120. doi: 10.1007/s12663-020-01328-9. Epub 2020 Jan 13. PubMed 33584052 ↗
  • Taskesen F, Cezairli B. Efficacy of prolotherapy and arthrocentesis in management of temporomandibular joint hypermobility. Cranio. 2023 Sep;41(5):423-431. doi: 10.1080/08869634.2020.1861887. Epub 2020 Dec 16. PubMed 33326351 ↗
  • Cezairli B, Sivrikaya EC, Omezli MM, Ayranci F, Seyhan Cezairli N. Results of Combined, Single-Session Arthrocentesis and Dextrose Prolotherapy for Symptomatic Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome: A Case Series. J Altern Complement Med. 2017 Oct;23(10):771-777. doi: 10.1089/acm.2017.0068. Epub 2017 Oct 10. PubMed 29017019 ↗
  • Abbadi W, Kara Beit Z, Al-Khanati NM. Arthrocentesis, Injectable Platelet-Rich Plasma and Combination of Both Protocols of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Management: A Single-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial. Cureus. 2022 Nov 11;14(11):e31396. doi: 10.7759/cureus.31396. eCollection 2022 Nov. PubMed 36523721 ↗
  • Dagenais S, Wooley J, Hite M, Green R, Mayer J. Acute toxicity evaluation of proliferol: a dose-escalating, placebo-controlled study in swine. Int J Toxicol. 2009 May-Jun;28(3):219-29. doi: 10.1177/1091581809336478. PubMed 19546260 ↗
  • Refai H. Long-term therapeutic effects of dextrose prolotherapy in patients with hypermobility of the temporomandibular joint: a single-arm study with 1-4 years' follow up. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2017 Jun;55(5):465-470. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2016.12.002. Epub 2017 Apr 29. PubMed 28460873 ↗
  • Gibaly A, Abdelmoiz M, Alghandour AN. Evaluation of the effect of dextrose prolotherapy versus deep dry needling therapy for the treatment of temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement with reduction: (a randomized controlled trial). Clin Oral Investig. 2024 Aug 8;28(9):475. doi: 10.1007/s00784-024-05830-z. PubMed 39115583 ↗
  • Zhou H, Hu K, Ding Y. Modified dextrose prolotherapy for recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2014 Jan;52(1):63-6. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2013.08.018. Epub 2013 Sep 21. PubMed 24064304 ↗
  • Ungor C, Atasoy KT, Taskesen F, Cezairli B, Dayisoylu EH, Tosun E, Senel FC. Short-term results of prolotherapy in the management of temporomandibular joint dislocation. J Craniofac Surg. 2013 Mar;24(2):411-5. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0b013e31827ff14f. PubMed 23524704 ↗
  • Nagori SA, Jose A, Gopalakrishnan V, Roy ID, Chattopadhyay PK, Roychoudhury A. The efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy over placebo for temporomandibular joint hypermobility: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Oral Rehabil. 2018 Dec;45(12):998-1006. doi: 10.1111/joor.12698. Epub 2018 Aug 3. PubMed 30024045 ↗
  • Foster TE, Puskas BL, Mandelbaum BR, Gerhardt MB, Rodeo SA. Platelet-rich plasma: from basic science to clinical applications. Am J Sports Med. 2009 Nov;37(11):2259-72. doi: 10.1177/0363546509349921. PubMed 19875361 ↗
  • Distel LM, Best TM. Prolotherapy: a clinical review of its role in treating chronic musculoskeletal pain. PM R. 2011 Jun;3(6 Suppl 1):S78-81. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2011.04.003. PubMed 21703585 ↗
  • Nitzan DW, Dolwick MF, Martinez GA. Temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis: a simplified treatment for severe, limited mouth opening. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1991 Nov;49(11):1163-7; discussion 1168-70. doi: 10.1016/0278-2391(91)90409-f. PubMed 1941330 ↗
  • Rabago D, Slattengren A, Zgierska A. Prolotherapy in primary care practice. Prim Care. 2010 Mar;37(1):65-80. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2009.09.013. PubMed 20188998 ↗
  • Mustafa R, Gungormus M, Mollaoglu N. Evaluation of the Efficacy of Different Concentrations of Dextrose Prolotherapy in Temporomandibular Joint Hypermobility Treatment. J Craniofac Surg. 2018 Jul;29(5):e461-e465. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000004480. PubMed 29533255 ↗
  • de Farias JF, Melo SL, Bento PM, Oliveira LS, Campos PS, de Melo DP. Correlation between temporomandibular joint morphology and disc displacement by MRI. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2015;44(7):20150023. doi: 10.1259/dmfr.20150023. Epub 2015 Mar 25. PubMed 25806865 ↗
  • Majumdar SK, Krishna S, Chatterjee A, Chakraborty R, Ansari N. Single Injection Technique Prolotherapy for Hypermobility Disorders of TMJ Using 25 % Dextrose: A Clinical Study. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2017 Jun;16(2):226-230. doi: 10.1007/s12663-016-0944-0. Epub 2016 Jul 25. PubMed 28439165 ↗
  • Refai H, Altahhan O, Elsharkawy R. The efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy for temporomandibular joint hypermobility: a preliminary prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011 Dec;69(12):2962-70. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2011.02.128. Epub 2011 Jul 16. PubMed 21757278 ↗
  • Torres DE, McCain JP. Arthroscopic electrothermal capsulorrhaphy for the treatment of recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2012 Jun;41(6):681-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2012.03.008. Epub 2012 Apr 7. PubMed 22487806 ↗

Individual participant data

Plan to share: Yes

Supporting information: Study protocol, Statistical analysis plan, Informed consent form

Time frame: 2019-2022

09

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Jun 13, 2025, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07020455
Responsible party
Halenur Ateş (DDS, Karadeniz Technical University) — Principal investigator
First posted
Jun 13, 2025
Start date
Jan 1, 2019
Primary completion
Jan 1, 2022
Completion
Jan 1, 2025
Last update
Jun 13, 2025

Oversight

FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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This study is completed, as verified in Jun 2025. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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