Introduction Juvenile temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis is a progressive inflammatory–degenerative disorder asso- ciated with chronic pain, functional limitation, and re- duced quality of life in adolescents. Chondroprotective therapy may provide structural and anti-inflammatory benefits. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of glucosamine–chondroitin combination (Teraflex) in the complex treatment of juvenile TMJ osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods A prospective clinical study included 61 adolescents (aged 16–18 years) diagnosed with juvenile TMJ osteo- arthritis. Clinical parameters included pain intensity, mandibular mobility, joint crepitation, physician and pa- tient functional assessment, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and polymorpho- nuclear elastase levels measured using ELISA. Teraflex (500 mg glucosamine hydrochloride + 400 mg chon- droitin sulfate) was administered twice daily for 3 months as part of multimodal therapy. Results After 3 months, clinical improvement was observed in 94% of patients. Interincisal distance increased signifi- cantly, mandibular mobility improved, and joint noises resolved in 79% of cases. Elastase activity demonstrated a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05). ESR and CRP levels approached normal ranges. No serious ad- verse effects were recorded. Conclusions Glucosamine–chondroitin combination therapy appears to be a safe and effective adjunct in the management of juvenile TMJ osteoarthritis, contributing to functional re- covery and reduction of inflammatory activity.
Ahmadov et al. (Sun,) studied this question.