RESUMO
This clinical trial investigates the efficacy of PRGF-Endoret® injections for the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis by providing patient evaluations at a one-year follow-up. Fifty-two patients with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis according to the American Society of Temporomandibular Joint Surgeons' guidelines underwent a cycle of 3 injections (1 per month) of platelet-derived growth factors (PRFG). Two clinical parameters, pain at rest and maximum non-assisted mouth opening, were assessed by the same blinded operator at the time of the diagnosis (baseline), at each appointment during the treatment and at a 1-year follow-up visit. Both the parameters showed improvements that were maintained over time. Statistical analyses evidenced significant changes within the first two injections. Data from the present investigation support findings from studies on other joints, which show the efficacy of PRGF-Endoret injections to reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and to maintain improvements over time.