Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Fibrin for Temporomandibular Disorders Management: A Systematic and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: This study systematically reviewed the effect of intra-articular injection (IAI) of platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF), alone or combined with arthrocentesis or arthroscopy, in managing painful articular temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and improving maximum mouth opening (MMO).

Materials And Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in five databases, identifying randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials focusing on minimally invasive TMJ interventions using i-PRF. Meta-analyses were performed with a random-effects model for studies reporting similar outcomes, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain, and MMO values.

Results: Out of 332 studies identified, 13 met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Within-group comparisons revealed significant pain reduction at 3-6 and 8-12 months for i-PRF alone or combined with arthrocentesis or arthroscopy. MMO values significantly increased using i-PRF alone at 8-12 months, combined with arthrocentesis or arthroscopy at 3-6 and 8-12 months, with no significant increase using i-PRF alone at 3-6 months. Between-group analyses demonstrated that i-PRF combined with arthrocentesis significantly reduced VAS scores and increased MMO values compared to arthrocentesis alone at 3-6 and 8-12 months.

Conclusion: Using i-PRF alone or combined with arthrocentesis or arthroscopy is effective in pain reduction and MMO increase.