Retrospective analysis of ideal needle puncture angles and depths for temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis using CBCT data.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the range of angles and depths necessary for effective entry into the TMJ using CBCT images, focusing on classical Holmlund Hellsing points and a two-needle approach.

Methods: A retrospective cohort of CBCT images from January 2020 to November 2023 was analysed using 3D analysis to determine the variance in the required angles and depths.

Results: The average age of the 68 participants included in the study was 29.5 ± 11.1, 58.8% of the participants were female and 41.2% were male. The anterior needle measurements showed a relatively low standard deviation(SD) in depth(SD:3.6) with a low variance coefficient(12.5%), whereas the axial and coronal angles exhibited greater variability(SD:9.1 and 7.6, respectively). For the posterior needles, moderate SDs in depth(SD:3.5) and greater variabilities in axial and coronal angles(SD:9.6 and 5.3, respectively) were observed. A weak negative correlation was observed between the axial angle of the posterior needle and age(p: 0.028, Pearson r: -0.29) Anterior needle depth (p:0.037) and posterior needle axial angle(p:0.014) were greater in males than females. The anterior needle depth in patients with temporamandibular disease was greater than in those without(p:0,03).

Conclusion: There were significant differences in the angle measurements for both anterior and posterior needles, but lower variance in depth. The depths and angles of the needles did not correlate with age.