Abstract: Objective: To compare the efficacy difference of three methods in the treatment of temporomandibular joint synovitis. Methods: 56 cases of the patients who were diagnosed as TMJ synovitis were collected and divided into 3 groups They were treated as: the injection of sodium hyaluronate on articular upper cavity, injection combining with local smearing of diclofenac diethylamine emulgel, and the injection combining with stabilization splint. Two weeks later, the differences of VAS score and temporomandibular joint dysfunction index (Fricton index) between three methods were compared. Results: Compared with the only injection group, the VAS grade of the groups combined with diclofenac diethylamine emulgel smearing and combined with stabilization splint decreased significantly (P<0.05), and the group combined with splint was more effective (P<0.05). As to the Fricton index, there was also a difference for the DI value and CMI value among three group (P<0.05). However, the PI in the group combined with stabilization splint decreased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion: All three methods have therapeutical effect on the temporomandibular joint synovitis, while the injection combined with stabilization splint is more effective on the temporomandibular joint synovitis, and has better relaxation effect on muscular tenderness.

Key words: synovitis, temporomandibular joint, sodium hyaluronate, diclofenac diethylamine emulgel, stabilization splint