Temporomandibular arthroscopy: a retrospective clinical study (1995-1999) of 61 cases

A study was made of the internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in order to: (a) determine the coincidence between the preoperative clinical diagnosis and imaging findings and the intraoperative arthroscopic observations, (b) establish the efficacy of arthroscopic treatment, and (c) evaluate the complications of the procedure.

A descriptive and retrospective clinical study (1995-1999) of 61 TMJ arthroscopies was design.

Coincidence was recorded between the clinical diagnosis and arthroscopic findings in 66.6% of cases, and the imaging diagnostic observations (magnetic resonance imaging) in 71.6%. The surgical outcome in terms of movement range was considered excellent (aperture > 40 mm) in 19 patients (42.2%), good (30-40 mm) in 19 (42.2%), and poor (< 30 mm) in 7 patients (15.6%). Postoperative pain assessment was in turn excellent (absence of pain) in 27 patients (60%), good (significant pain remission) in 9 (20%) and poor (persistent or increased pain) in 9 patients (20%). There were 7 complications and all healed without sequelae.

The global results indicate an excellent or good movement range in 84.2%, with either no postoperative pain or only minimum pain in 81.4% of cases. Consequently, if arthroscopy is used for a precise indication in an adequate patient, it can improve the quality of life of individuals with TMJ pathology in situations where conservative procedures have failed.