Needle orientation for temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis in Koreans

Abstract

Objective To investigate the highest opportunity skin puncture point and needle orientation according to facial asymmetry and classification. Methods Computed tomography of 136 patients was analyzed. Horizontal and vertical angles and distances from the canthal-tragal line were investigated to determine the puncture point and needle&apos;s angle. Result All patients&apos; average points were 7.39 (+/- 2.85) mm anterior to the tragus and 3.44 (+/- 4.18) mm below the canthal-tragal line with an angle of 8.53 (+/- 6.90)degrees anteriorly and 32.26 (+/- 7.23)degrees superiorly. Regarding asymmetry, there was a statistical difference in horizontal angle, depth, and canthal-tragal distance between the deviated and non-deviated sides. Especially, vertical distances were 4.44 (+/- 4.66) mm and 2.59 (+/- 4.11) mm in the deviated and non-deviated sides, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion In closed-mouth, the puncture point was closer to the tragus and lower than the conventional point. The point in the deviated side should be considered lower than the non-deviated side.