Arthroscopy of the TemporomandibularJoint. Results of Six-year Experience

Overview

In the submitted paper the authors describe indications for and their 6-yearexperience and results with arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint. The resuts areessentially comparable with data in the literature. By the described methods patients withinternal disorders of the temporomandibular joint and restricted opening of the mouth weretreated as well as patients with preauricular pain and sound phenomena. All patients werebefore the operation treated conservatively for 3 – 6 months without success. It may be statedthat arthroscopy is a satisfactory diagnostic and therapeutic approach in the treatment ofinternal disorders of the temporomandibular joint. It is an excellent possibility for extendingthe range of therapeutic methods. As compared with surgery on the open joint arthroscipicallya change of the disk position is not achieved but evident improvement of objective and subjectivecomplaints is attained. Arthroscopy makes it possible to delay the need of arthrotomy associatedwith many possible complications and with a comparable therapeutic effect.

Key words:
arthroscopy – temporomandibular joint – internal disorders of the temporoman-dibular joint