Validity of IL-6 and Arthrocentesis in the Cause and Management of Internal Derangement of TMJ.

PURPOSE: The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the level of Interleukine-6 (IL-6), pre and post arthrocentesis to validate it as a biomarker in the Internal Derangement (ID) of TMJ.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 30 patients (20 females and 10 males) of Temporo-Mandibular Dysfunction (TMD) with Disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR) Wilkes stage III, who were refractory to conservative management. Arthrocentesis was performed as a therapeutic modality. Synovial fluid aspirates were obtained prior to arthrocentesis and post arthrocentesis with 300 ml of Ringer Lactate solution into the superior joint compartment for the assessment of level of IL-6. The clinical parameters used for correlating the level of IL-6 were degree of pain (VAS I), chewing ability (VAS II), Maximal Mouth Opening (MMO) in both pre and post op phase with the follow-up period of 01 day, 01 week, 01 month, 03 month and 06 month and the results were compared. ELISA was performed to analyze the levels of IL-6 in the aspirates. The clinical parameters and the level of IL-6 were recorded and analyzed statistically.

RESULTS: The study showed ID of TMJ (Wilkes stage III) s are more prevalent in females especially in the fourth decades of life with the mean age of 38.4 years. The post operative assessment in terms of pain, maximum mouth opening, lateral movements of the mandible and the levels of IL-6 were found to be statistically significant with a P value <0.01.

CONCLUSION: This study validates the role of IL-6 as a definitive biomarker for the pathogenesis of ID of TMJ Wilkes stage III and arthrocentesis proved to be a minimally invasive therapeutic modality for its management.