Clinical Research Directory

Patients included in this study were adult individuals aged 18 years and older who were diagnosed with stage 3 or higher temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder according to the Wilkes classification, based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in addition to clinical evaluation. Eligible patients had unilateral internal TMJ disorder and exhibited clinical symptoms such as TMJ-related pain and/or joint sounds, and limited mouth opening. Furthermore, only patients whose symptoms persisted despite at least one month of occlusal splint therapy were included. Exclusion criteria were as follows: patients diagnosed with myofascial pain or muscle-related functional limitation; those who had previously undergone intra-articular injection or other invasive procedures involving the TMJ; patients with connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or with neurological disorders; patients with a history of major jaw trauma; and individuals with psychiatric disorders or a history of substance abuse.