Vaira, Luigi AngeloNavarro Cuéllar, CarlosDe Riu, Giacomo2026-05-072026-05-072026-04-29Vaira, L. A., Qadeer, H., Lechien, J. R., Maniaci, A., Maglitto, F., Consorti, G., … De Riu, G. (2026). Complications of temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of incidence and safety profile. CRANIO®, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/08869634.2026.26654740886-963410.1080/08869634.2026.2665474https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/136579Objective: 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.engjournal article2151-0903https://doi.org/10.1080/08869634.2026.266547442053559https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/08869634.2026.2665474?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dathttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42053559/open accessMaxillofacial SurgeryTemporomandibular jointAdverse eventsArthrocentesisCiencias Biomédicas32 Ciencias Médicas