Three-year clinical outcomes of standardized 20% dextrose prolotherapy for chronic temporomandibular joint hypermobility

Objective: To evaluate the 3-year clinical outcomes of standardized 20% dextrose prolotherapy in patients with chronic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) subluxation or recurrent dislocation.Methods: This retrospective study included 21 patients with chronic TMJ subluxation or recurrent dislocation. Patients received dual-site injections of 20% dextrose into the superior joint space and pericapsular tissues adjacent to the lateral joint capsule. Clinical outcomes were compared between baseline and the 36-month assessment.Results: At 36 months, monthly instability episodes, maximum mouth opening, and joint clicking were significantly reduced (all p < .001), whereas pain scores showed no significant change. Nine patients (42.9%) underwent an additional prolotherapy session following the 36-month assessment, and one patient subsequently underwent surgery.Conclusion: These findings suggest that 20% dextrose prolotherapy may provide clinical stabilization at 3 years and represent a minimally invasive treatment option for selected patients with chronic TMJ hypermobility, while recognizing that additional treatment may be required in a substantial proportion of patients.