Anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDR) is a common temporomandibular joint
(TMJ) disorder, characterized by the displacement of the articular disc in front of the
condyle during mouth opening, which then reduces upon closing. This condition often
results in pain, restricted jaw movement, and clicking sounds. Conservative treatments,
including physical therapy, splint therapy, and pharmacological interventions, are
commonly used, but these may not always yield long-term results. Recent studies have
explored the role of prolotherapy, particularly the use of dextrose injections, in
treating TMJ disorders, including ADDR. Among the variations in prolotherapy, the
concentration of dextrose solution-commonly 10% and 25%-is often debated for its
potential effectiveness in promoting healing and pain relief. Prolotherapy is often
compared to other injection-based treatments, such as corticosteroid injections and
platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. A study by Chou et al. (2017) found that prolotherapy
was more effective than corticosteroid injections for the management of chronic tendon
and ligament pain, with longer-lasting effects and fewer side effects. Similarly,
prolotherapy was found to be as effective as PRP for certain conditions, such as chronic
tendinopathies, although PRP may offer additional benefits in tissue regeneration due to
its higher concentration of growth factors (Gosens et al., 2020).
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The literature supports prolotherapy as a promising treatment for various chronic pain
conditions, especially those involving tendons, ligaments, and joints. Evidence from
clinical trials suggests that prolotherapy is effective in reducing pain, improving
function, and promoting tissue regeneration in conditions like chronic low back pain,
knee osteoarthritis, and soft tissue injuries. However, despite the promising results,
the overall quality of evidence remains moderate, and further large-scale, high-quality
studies are needed to fully establish its efficacy and long-term outcomes. Prolotherapy
is generally safe, but like any invasive treatment, it carries a risk of adverse effects,
albeit minimal.
As prolotherapy continues to gain recognition in pain management, its potential as an
adjunct or alternative to traditional therapies warrants further investigation.