Factors Associated With Successful Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Discopexy for Symptomatic Disc Displacement

Area of Science:

• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
• Arthroscopic Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Symptomatic disc displacement (SDD) is a prevalent temporomandibular joint disorder.
• Arthroscopic discopexy offers a minimally invasive treatment option for SDD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors predicting successful outcomes following the mattress-loop technique (Yang's technique) for arthroscopic discopexy in patients with SDD.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this minimally invasive surgical approach.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 141 patients (218 joints) with SDD undergoing arthroscopic discopexy.
• Data collected included demographic, perioperative, and imaging variables.
• Outcomes assessed included pain (visual analog scale) and maximum incisal opening (MIO) at baseline and 6 months, with disc stability evaluated via MRI.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements observed in pain reduction (mean decrease of 4.72) and MIO increase (mean increase of 7.23 mm) at 6 months post-surgery (P < .05).
• Disc stability was achieved in 89.5% of cases at 6-month follow-up.
• Younger age, female sex, and the presence of clicking were associated with better pain and MIO outcomes; younger age was the strongest predictor.

Conclusions:

• The mattress-loop technique for arthroscopic discopexy is effective in reducing pain, enhancing MIO, and maintaining short-term disc stability in SDD patients.
• Younger patient age is a key predictor of favorable outcomes, supporting the consideration of early surgical intervention.