Temporomandibular joint arthroscopy: the endaural approach

The endaural approach to the temporomandibular joint overcomes some of the drawbacks associated with the commonly used superior posterolateral and anterolateral approaches. The technique allows improved visualization and access to instrumentation, especially to lateral and medial joint troughs, and the anterolateral region of the superior joint space. This has allowed for observations of the lateral impingement phenomenon occurring in the lateral superior joint space. Triangulation, and therefore the type of surgery performed have been greatly facilitated by the approach.