%0 Journal Article
%A Vaira, Luigi Angelo
%A Navarro Cuéllar, Carlos
%A De Riu, Giacomo
%T Complications of temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis: A systematic review and metaanalysis of incidence and safety profile
%D 2026
%@ 0886-9634
%U https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/136579
%X Objective: TMJ arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive treatment for temporomandibular disorders, but its complication profile is not fully defined. This study evaluated the incidence and spectrum of associated adverse events.Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus were systematically searched for human studies reporting complications, including trials, observational studies, case series, and case reports. All were qualitatively reviewed; only studies with extractable numerical data were meta-analyzed.Results: Forty-six studies were included; 23 reported numerical data and 13 entered the meta-analysis. The pooled complication rate was ~11% (95% CI 5-18%) with high heterogeneity; excluding isolated post-procedural pain gave ~9%. Most events were minor and transient, especially periarticular swelling and temporary facial nerve dysfunction. Clinically significant complications (hematoma, infection, vascular injury) were rare (<1%), while severe events were limited to case reports.Conclusion: TMJarthrocentesis is a low-risk procedure. Substantialheterogeneity warrant cautious interpretation and highlight the needfor standardized assessment.
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