COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN ARTHROSCOPY AND ARTHROCENTESIS IN TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze and compare the effectiveness of arthrocentesis and arthroscopy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint and can cause orofacial pain, functional limitation, and impaired quality of life. This is a systematic literature review conducted in the PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, including studies published between 2020 and 2025 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. After applying the eligibility criteria, 18 articles comprised the final sample. The results showed that both procedures are effective in reducing pain, improving mandibular function, and increasing mouth opening. Arthrocentesis stood out for its lower technical complexity, lower cost, and low complication rate, being indicated mainly for initial and moderate cases. Arthroscopy, on the other hand, showed better results in more complex and chronic cases, allowing direct intervention in intra-articular structures and more lasting clinical benefits. It is concluded that both techniques are safe and effective, with no absolute superiority between them; the therapeutic choice should consider the clinical characteristics and individual needs of each patient.  defending their brand in the face of judgments that may negatively expose the products and services of the brand that over the years struggles to survive the current economic situations of the country.