Arthroscopy of the human temporomandibular joint

This paper reviews the indications, technique and results of arthroscopy of the human TMJ. Our results in arthroscopic treatment of 36 patients (48 joints) are reported and the results are comparable with previously reported results. Mainly internal derangements with closed lock and preauricular pain have been treated and in all cases a single puncture technique followed by a blunt sweep procedure was used. All patients have before arthroscopy received a conservative treatment with insufficient result. It is concluded that arthroscopy is an excellent tool in diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders. However TMJ arthroscopy should be regarded as a supplement to conventional therapy and an alternative to open joint surgery.