Clinical Application of Ultrathin Arthroscopy in the Temporomandibular Joint for Treatment of Closed Lock Patients

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcome of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) lysis and lavage using Ultrathin TMJ arthroscopy. Patients and Methods: Closed lock patients who had not shown response to the conservative treatment for more than 3 months were included in this study. The clinical data were collected using standard protocol including questionnaire. Under the informed consent, TMJ lysis and lavage were performed using ultrathin arthroscopy. For the evaluation of the treatment outcome, maximum mouth opening (MMO) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used. Results: A total of 15 patients were included in this study. Concerning arthroscopic findings, fibrillation and adhesion were detected in 9 patients. Synovial hyperemia and ecchymosis was detected in 6 patients. There were no complications related with arthroscopic procedure in this study. Improvement of mouth opening more than 5 mm was detected in 14 patients. VAS score was reduced more than 60%, and VAS was recorded no more than 2 postoperatively in 12 patients. Good outcome was obtained in 12 patients (80%) from the total 15 patients. Conclusion: From the clinical outcomes, TMJ lysis and lavage using Ultrathin TMJ arthroscopy could be considered as an alternative treatment for the closed lock patients. (C) 2009 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 67:1039-1045, 2009