Efficacy of Polydeoxyribonucleotide Injections in Acute and Chronic Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: A Case Series
10.14476/jomp.2025.50.3.87
- Author:
Jee-Won JANG
1
;
Yong-Woo AHN
;
Sung-Hee JEONG
;
Hye-Min JU
;
Soo-Min OK
Author Information
1. Department of Oral Medicine, Dental Research Institute, Pusan National University Dental Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
2025;50(3):87-95
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) can cause pain and functional limitations that are often resistant to conventional therapies. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), known for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects via A2A adenosine receptor activation, has emerged as a potential alternative. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of PDRN prolotherapy in TMJ-OA and compared outcomes between acute and chronic cases.
Methods:A retrospective case series of 111 TMJ-OA patients treated with intra-articular PDRN injections was analyzed. Objective outcomes included maximum mouth opening (MMO) and numeric rating scale (NRS) scores before and after treatment. Subjective improvement was assessed using the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC). Subgroup analysis was conducted based on symptom duration: acute (<3 months) and chronic (≥3 months).
Results:The acute group showed significantly greater improvements than the chronic group in ΔNRS (–3.74±2.13 vs. –2.64±2.16; p=0.012) and ΔMMO (6.97±7.25 mm vs.4.24±5.07 mm; p=0.045). Overall, 77.5% of patients reported improvement on PGIC, with a higher (but not statistically significant) proportion in the acute group (86.5% vs. 62.8%, p=0.250). Clicking improved more in acute cases (p=0.001).
Conclusions:PDRN injection therapy appears effective in reducing pain and improving function in TMJ-OA, with superior outcomes in acute cases. It may be a promising alternative for patients unsuitable for standard conservative treatments. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
