The temporomandibular joint: the forgotten articulation

Fifty-seven patients (79 temporomandibular joints) whose symptoms did not respond to conservative treatment subsequently underwent surgery to correct the internal derangement and obtain relief. This 8-year study emphasizes etiology, the diverse nature of the symptoms, clinical diagnosis, radiographic diagnostic features, surgical findings technique, postoperative treatment, complications, and long-term results. Special attention is given to a heretofore undescribed bilaminar posterior ligament repair technique which appears to provide greater strength of repair and more natural joint function.