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Trends in temporomandibular joint surgery
M W Gerard1, M M Laughon, J L Colley
1Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, USA.
Medical Progress Through Technology
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery trends show a rise in arthroscopy over open surgery. Repeat TMJ procedures are infrequent, indicating successful outcomes for both techniques.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect a significant patient population.
- Surgical interventions for TMJ internal derangement include open arthrotomy and closed arthroscopy.
- Understanding procedural trends is crucial for healthcare resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the average patient profile undergoing TMJ surgery.
- To analyze the frequency of TMJ surgical procedures, including repeat surgeries.
- To evaluate trends in open versus closed TMJ surgical techniques.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 194 TMJ surgical procedures.
- Data extracted from insurance claims information (Trigon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Virginia).
- Evaluation of procedural frequency, repeat surgery rates, and technique preference.
Main Results:
- Arthroscopic TMJ surgery frequency increased, while arthrotomy remained low.
- Approximately 50% of hospitals did not perform TMJ surgery.
- Repeat TMJ procedures were infrequent (3%) for both arthroscopy and arthrotomy.
Conclusions:
- TMJ arthroscopy has become the preferred surgical technique in Virginia for internal derangement.
- Low repeat procedure rates suggest efficacy for both open and closed TMJ surgeries.
- Insurance claims data provide a valid method for assessing surgical care trends.