Cryoneurotomy for intractable temporomandibular joint pain

A review of cryoneurotomy to the temporomandibular joint capsule and/or the great auricular nerve for six consecutive patients with intractable neurogenic pain in the preauricular region is presented. All the patients had severe pain complicated by failed previous treatment, analgesic abuse or psychiatric problems. All the patients had excellent pain relief for 1 year following cryoneurotomy but with recurrence in four patients. Repeated cryoneurotomy can be performed but with decreasing effectiveness.