JAPANESE JOURNAL OF ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Vol. 54 No. 1                     2008

ISSN: 0021-5163      UBIC: 151-J

ABSTRACT

Arthroscopic surgery using radio-frequency electrocautery was carried out on 23 temporomandibular joints (TMJs) in 13 patients. Because these patients did not respond to conservative therapy, surgery was indicated. Preoperative MM showed anterior disc displacement without reduction in ah patients. Disturbed translation was also recognized in ah of the discs and mandibular condyles. Intraoperative arthroscopic examination showed severe fibrous adhesion in the upper joint compartment and disc displacement. Four joints showed perforation between the disc and retrodiscal tissue. Postoperative findings included an increased range of vertical maximal mouth opening and decreased pain on mandibular movement. Analyses of postoperative MM indicated recovery of disc and condylar translation. These results suggested that the introduction of arthroscopic surgery using radiofrequency electrocautery would significantly reduce the number of patients with osteoarthritic TMJ disorders. Keywords: arthroscopic surgery, temporomandibular joint, radio-frequency electrocautery, disc, MRI

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