الفهرس 
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Abstract
The present study was conducted to compare between the effect of arthrocentesis alone and arthrocentesis with electro acupuncture following in management of TMD.
Twenty patients suffering from pain, limited range of jaw movement, and joint noises were selected for the study. Conservative modalities (as splints, moist heat application and NSAID given orally) were first tried and those who didn’t respond were recommended for this study. Clinical examination and radiographic evaluation were performed for each patient, at the beginning of treatment. The patients were subdivided into two groups:
• Group I: included ten patients for whom arthrocentesis was done using sterile normal saline as lavage solution.
• Group II: included ten patients for whom arthrocentesis was done using sterile normal saline as lavage solution with electro acupuncture
The patients were then evaluated clinically for six months postoperatively and the collected data was statistically analyzed.
Clinical results
Clinical evaluation was performed for the patients at 48 hours, one week, two weeks, one month, three months, and six months. The following parameters were used: pain intensity, maximal interincisal opening, lateral and protrusive movements. Differences in all clinical parameters were statistically significant within the same group at all stages of follow up period.
Comparing the two studied groups, only pain intensity revealed significant differences at 48 hours, one week, three months and six month. Differences in all other parameters were statistically insignificant at all stages of follow up period. The two groups showed significant improvement in clinical symptoms at the end of the follow up period, but those treated with electro acupuncture after arthrocentesis showed more improvement for long period follow up than those treated with arthrocentesis alone.