Is there a role for temporomandibular joint surgery?

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthodontics
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery has seen advancements in North America.
• Recent years have been marked by significant challenges and failures in TMJ surgical procedures.
• Despite controversies, TMJ surgery remains relevant for specific temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of current concepts in TMJ surgery.
• To emphasize the critical role of patient selection in surgical success.
• To discuss the indications and limitations of TMJ surgery.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical thinking on TMJ surgery.
• Analysis of factors contributing to surgical success and failure.
• Discussion of case selection criteria for TMJ procedures.

Main Results:

• TMJ surgery has progressed significantly in North America.
• Despite progress, the field has encountered notable failures.
• Careful case selection is identified as the most vital factor for successful TMJ surgery.

Conclusions:

• TMJ surgery, while controversial, retains a specific role in managing certain TMDs.
• The success of TMJ surgery is heavily dependent on meticulous patient selection.
• Further research and refined techniques are needed to improve outcomes and reduce failures in TMJ surgery.