Surgical complications related to temporomandibular joint arthroscopy: a prospective analysis of 39 single-portal versus 43 double-portal procedures

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure proposed for diverse TMJ intra-articular disorders. A prospective study was designed with the aim of investigating intraoperative and postoperative surgical complications for single and double-portal TMJ arthroscopy. All interventions were performed by one surgeon with the same surgical protocol. A total of 55 patients were enrolled, resulting in 82 TMJ arthroscopies (28 unilateral and 27 bilateral). A total of 39 single portal (47.57%) and 43 double-portal (52.43%) arthroscopies were performed. No severe and irreversible complications were observed. Most complications were resolved after 4 weeks. Double-portal was associated with more complications (n = 23) compared with single-portal TMJ arthroscopy (n = 14), with a statistically significant difference found between single and double-portal TMJ arthroscopy in two intraoperative complications: intra-articular bleeding (P = 0.044) and oedema of the preauricular area (P = 0.042). This study confirms the safety of TMJ arthroscopy for single and double-portal procedures, with the authors suggesting a multicentre study, in an effort to minimize any possible bias.     

颞下颌关节内窥镜手术的局部应用解剖测量

目的,了解颞下颌关节（TMJ）与邻近各解剖标志以及重要神经血管的解剖关系,以便更好地掌握手术操作方式和手术范围,方法：解剖测量7具国人尸体头颅的TMJ解剖结构及其与邻近解剖标志和重要神经血管的解剖关系,并依据20张显示鼻中隔居中,双侧解剖结构对称的CT片测量外耳道前倾角。结果：TMJ与在神经的颞支,面横动静脉,耳前神经血管束等组织的解剖关系非常密切,外耳道前倾角,关节节后斜面斜度,关节窝最薄处骨壁厚度和等测量数据对术者的操作是十分重要的参数值,结论 ：手术者熟知颞下颌关节的结构及其与邻近重要组织的解剖关系才能掌握好穿刺的角度和深度,控制手术范围,尽量减少手术并发症的发生。     

Intraoperative complications in temporomandibular joint arthroscopy: A retrospective observational analysis of 899 arthroscopies

This study aims to describe intraoperative complications in temporomandibular joint arthroscopy in patients with Wilkes stage II, III y IV. An analytic observational retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were patients who had no improvement with conservative treatment diagnosed as Wilkes II stage to Wilkes stage IV, and no previous TMJ surgery. Exclusion criteria were disc perforation observed by arthroscopy. Data collected from 458 patients (899 arthroscopies). Of this population, 772 (85.8%) arthroscopies correspond to women, and 127 men (14.1%). Of the sample evaluated, 368 (40.9%) were arthroscopic without discopexy, and 531 (59%) were arthroscopic with discopexy using resorbable pins. In total, 330 complications (36.7%) were found, of which 293 (32.5%) were implicated with iatrogenic damage to the anatomy, and 36 (4%) were associated with some instrument failure. Of this total number of complications, 191 (51.9%) of 386 corresponded to the arthroscopy without discopexy group and 138 (25.9%) of 531 corresponded to the arthroscopy with discopexy group. These study data suggest that the main complications were irrigation fluid extravasation (p = 0.000), and intra-articular bleeding (p = 0.001) followed by pin problems (p = 0.001) in cases of arthroscopies with discopexy. Within the limitations of the study it seems that the learning curve has an important influence on the occurrence of complications. At the beginning of the learning curve, complications are more related to anatomy. Afterwards, the rate of complications decreases but they are more related to the instruments used in advanced techniques. Therefore, proper training and a wide learning curve can reduce the risk of complications and if any occur, more timely management could be given.     

A spectrum of auditory canal injuries ensuing from direct or indirect trauma to the temporomandibular joint: A 2-year prospective study

This study aimed to assess various auditory canal injuries in patients with direct or indirect temporomandibular joint (TMJ) trauma, and, in collaboration with an otolaryngologist, evaluate the need for intervention. A prospective study was conducted at the institution. Patients who had sustained trauma to the TMJ were assessed for auditory canal injury through clinical and CT scan examination. All the patients were cross-consulted by an otolaryngologist for diagnosis and eventual management of any auditory canal injury. A close 3-month follow-up was carried out for all patients. Out of 32 cases (64 sides) of TMJ trauma, the following auditory canal injuries were documented: five cases (six sides) with tympanic plate fracture; five cases (five sides) with soft-tissue injury to the EAC; two cases (two sides) with tympanic membrane (TM) perforation; and one case (one side) with external auditory canal (EAC) hematoma (all p < 0.001). Corroborative results for the diagnosis of auditory canal injuries between the oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMFS) and ENT surgeon were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). One case of tympanic membrane perforation required tympanoplasty and the rest were treated by conservative management. No complications were seen after 3 months of follow-up. To conclude, maxillofacial surgeons should perform a thorough bilateral ear examination to rule out any auditory canal injury in all the cases presenting with direct or indirect trauma to the TMJ. Timely management of such injuries should be undertaken by an otolaryngologist before TMJ trauma management to avoid any complications.     

A prospective evaluation of the effectiveness of temporomandibular joint arthroscopy

This is a prospective study to evaluate therapeutic arthroscopy for internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Fifty-nine patients with 76 abnormal joints were evaluated preoperatively for pain, noise, maximal incisal opening (MIO), and deviation on opening. Preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained for 29 joints. Patients were treated by superior joint arthroscopy, lysis of adhesions, lavage, and steroid injection, along with preoperative and postoperative splint and physiotherapy. Pain, noise, and motion were evaluated at three time periods: 1) early (10 to 30 days); 2) intermediate (1 to 6 months); and 3) late (greater than 6 months). At early, intermediate, and late follow-up, increase in MIO was statistically significant (P less than .05). Noise did not return in the majority of patients. Disc position, evaluated by MRI, did not appear to change in 25 of 29 joints and did not correlate with clinical outcome. The results of this study indicate that TMJ arthroscopy is effective in reducing pain and increasing motion in patients with TMJ internal derangement.     

颞颌关节紊乱综合征的新疗法——关节内窥镜手术探讨

采用Stryker颞颌关节内窥镜对58例颞颌关节紊乱综合征患者进行关节内手术。随访6—40个月。根据手术前后患者颞颌关节区疼痛,杂音和下颌运动的变化情况评定疗效,分三级:优良、改善和无效。结果为优良者占27.6％,改善者占50.0％,无效者占22.4％,有效率(优良+改善)77.6％。术后患者张口度平均增加6.6mm(P<0.001)。作者认为颞颌关节内窥镜手术创伤小,对一些关节内病变,特别是关节内结构性紊乱,疗效良好,是一种很有价值的治疗手段。本文对内窥镜手术的机理,适应症,疗效及稳定性,并发症和手术操作等进行了讨论。     

Operative versus simple arthroscopic surgery for chronic closed lock of the temporomandibular joint: a clinical study of 344 arthroscopic procedures

Arthroscopic surgery has been reported to decrease pain in relation to the TMJ, improving maximal interincisal opening (MIO). The aim of the present study was to report the clinical outcome of arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of chronic closed lock (CCL) of the TMJ. Five hundred consecutive patients (670 joints) with TMJ derangement who underwent arthroscopy between 1995 and 2004 were retrospectively analysed. All were classified as II-V according to Wilkes. Within the series, various arthroscopic procedures were performed. The inclusion criteria for CCL of the TMJ were met by 257 patients (344 joints). The mean age was 30.24 years; 237 (92%) were female and 20 (8%) male. Mean preoperative visual analogue scale score for evaluation of TMJ pain was 53.21+/-23.02. Mean MIO was 24.75+/-4.89 mm. Following arthroscopy, a significant decrease in TMJ pain was achieved (p<0.0001). For MIO, mandibular protrusion and lateral excursion movements, a significant increase in mean values was observed following surgery (p<0.0001). No statistical differences were observed between arthroscopic lysis and lavage and operative arthroscopy in relation to postoperative pain or MIO at any stage of the follow-up period. Arthroscopy should be considered as a first-line treatment for CCL of the TMJ.     

Current status of temporomandibular joint arthroscopy in the United Kingdom

In an era during which minimally invasive procedures are increasingly becoming the norm, arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) seems to be infrequently used for diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the TMJ. The reasons for this are not clear. The purpose of this study was to find out the current state of arthroscopy of the TMJ in the UK and, more specifically, how often it is used, the indications for its use, the level of experience of practising surgeons, and the reasons for not using it. Information was gathered between 2009 and 2010 from a postal and e-mail questionnaire to all oral and maxillofacial consultants in the UK. Of the 346 consultants, 215 (60%) responded to the questionnaire. Forty-two said that they currently used arthroscopy of the TMJ, and 33 of those (81%) have more than 5 years' experience. During the past year, a total of 8 consultants nationally have done 20 arthroscopies or more. Thirty-three of the procedures (81%) were done for both diagnosis and treatment. Lack of perceived need of patients and lack of interest in this specialty were the main reasons given for not doing arthroscopy, lack of training being a key secondary reason. The Storz and Olympus systems were the most commonly used within the UK. Results seem to support the opinion that arthroscopy of the TMJ is under-used, and consideration should be given to ensuring that trainees are instructed in its use, which is important in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the TMJ.     

Outcomes of 152 temporomandibular joints following arthroscopic anterolateral capsular release by holmium: YAG laser or electrocautery

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical results and efficacy of arthroscopic anterolateral capsular release achieved through the use of a holmium:YAG laser or electrocautery for the management of patients with internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). STUDY DESIGN: We studied internal derangement (106 joints) and osteoarthritis (46 joints) of the TMJ in 129 patients. Preoperatively, the mean mouth-opening degree was 31 mm and 129 TMJs exhibited moderate to severe arthralgia. All patients underwent arthroscopic anterolateral capsular release achieved with a holmium:YAG laser (84 TMJs) or through electrocautery (68 TMJs). RESULTS: At the end of each patient's respective follow-up period, which ranged from 2 to 72 months (mean, 19 months), the mean mouth-opening degree was 43 mm (P<.0001). Also during that time, 105 joints were discovered to exhibit no arthralgia and 36 had mild arthralgia. The total success rates with 2 sets of criteria were 92.8% and 95.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic anterolateral capsular release is a minimally invasive and effective surgical method for the treatment of patients with TMJ intracapsular disorders.     

Diagnosis and treatment of fibrous adhesion into upper joint compartment of the TMJ. Part 1. Double contrast arthrotomographic findings

A fibrous adhesion into upper joint compartment of the TMJ is indicated by a secondary pathological condition of disk displacement. The fibrous adhesion increases resistance to motion in the joint because the condyle translation has been disrupted. Fibrous adhesion cases resist splint therapy, manipulation technique and manipulation-while-pumping the upper joint compartment. Diagnosis of fibrous adhesion into upper joint compartment is important for internal derangement of the TMJ. The diagnosis depends on information from double contrast arthrotomography of the TMJ. But double contrast arthrotomography findings of fibrous adhesion into upper joint compartment of the TMJ have been recognized in few reports. We have described the varied conditions of the fibrous adhesion into the upper joint compartment of the TMJ by double contrast arthrotomographic findings. These cases confirmed the fibrous adhesion into the upper joint compartment of the TMJ by arthroscopy. Double contrast arthrotomographic findings were as follows: 1. Narrow fibrous band-like structure is observed into upper joint compartment of the TMJ. 2. A partial expansion of the upper joint compartment can be seen with a contrast medium injection. Also positional change of this stenosis decreases in both open and closed jaw positions.     

The use of dermis grafts after discectomy for internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to review the outcomes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discectomy with autogenous dermis used as an immediate interpositional graft in patients with advanced internal derangement of the TMJ. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five joints in 29 patients who presented with advanced internal derangement of the TMJ with degenerate and irreparable discs were identified and included in the study. All patients underwent a TMJ arthrotomy (including 6 bilateral TMJ procedures) that involved removal of the disc (discectomy) and immediate replacement with autogenous dermis graft. Patients were followed up for an average of 2 years. RESULTS: There was a mean +6.7-mm improvement in maximum interincisal opening, a 66% mean improvement in pain ( P < .001), and a 42% mean improvement in function ( P < .05) after TMJ discectomy with immediate dermis graft replacement. After an average follow-up period of 24.6 months, patients reported good to excellent improvement in their TMJ symptoms in 30 of the 35 joints (85.7%). All patients showed radiologic evidence of varying degrees of condylar remodeling at 6 months or later after surgery. Of the 7 patients who had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed at 6 months or later after surgery, none showed any radiologic evidence of the dermis graft. No clinical evidence of joint sounds such as crepitus was found in 33 of the 35 operated joints. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that TMJ discectomy can have a significant positive effect on the management of patients with advanced internal derangement of the TMJ who fail to respond to less invasive measures such as splint therapy and TMJ arthroscopy. However, the only advantage of dermis grafts over no grafts seems to be that it can minimize or eliminate joint sounds such as crepitus in the discectomized TMJ. In this study, the dermis grafts did not prevent regressive remodeling of the mandibular condyles.     

Long-term evaluation of arthroscopic discectomy of the temporomandibular joint using the Holmium YAG laser.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical results with arthroscopic discectomy using a Holmium YAG laser for treatment of patients with pain and dysfunction and large disc perforations resulting by advanced internal derangement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects comprised 30 patients (38 joints) who underwent arthroscopic discectomy with Holmium YAG laser. All patients had chronic pain, restricted range of motion, and a diagnosis of disc perforation (Wilkes stage IV to V of internal derangement). All patients had not responded to conventional nonsurgical treatment (eg, appliance therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy) or previous temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy. All patients filled out a questionnaire preoperatively and postoperatively for assessment of their signs and symptoms. The questionnaire consisted of a visual analog scale (VAS) with items on pain and diet. RESULTS: The overall success rate for arthroscopy discectomy using a Holmium YAG laser was 93.33% (28 of 30 patients) in a mean follow-up of 31.7 months. No complications were observed in this study. Maximal interincisal opening improved from a mean of 25.40 to 39.96 mm after 18 months or more from surgery. The subjective data elicited from VAS scores showed a significant improvement in pain score, in interference of pain with normal diet, and effect of pain on life in general. All preoperative scores were significantly different from postoperative scores (P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this follow-up study, arthroscopic discectomy for treatment of large disc perforations seems to provide an effective treatment for TMJ pain and dysfunction, decreasing the pain and improving the range of motion.     

Experimental and clinical evaluation of the temporomandibular joint arthroscopy

To evaluate the clinical value of the TMJ arthroscopy, 10 monkeys and 48 patients were examined. No special injuries and serious complications were revealed. The field of vision of arthroscopy is wide enough to observe the upper compartment, but there is some difficulty in inspecting the lower one. Meanwhile, different kinds of pathological changes were observed on the disc, fossa, eminence and synovial membrane through the arthroscopy in the patients with TMJ disorder. Thus it can be concluded that the TMJ arthroscopy is very important and useful to inspect the joint cavity and to diagnose the TMJ diseases.     

Hearing changes after temporomandibular joint arthroscopy: a prospective study

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) arthroscopy is considered an effective and safe minimally invasive surgical approach. While the long-term outcomes of arthroscopy tend to be positive and free of secondary effects, patients occasionally complain about their hearing following the treatment. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate possible hearing changes associated with TMJ arthroscopy. Pure-tone audiograms were performed in patients two weeks before TMJ arthroscopy and repeated six weeks after intervention. A total of 15 patients (mean age of 41.73 ± 16.36) were enrolled; 25 TMJ arthroscopies were performed (five unilateral and ten bilateral). Statistically significant differences were found between preoperative and postoperative audiograms in the frequencies 256 Hz (P = 0.011) and 8 kHz (P = 0.058, borderline). For the frequency 256 Hz the difference was favourable, but not superior to 5 dB. For the frequency 8 kHz, in three patients the TMJ arthroscopy resulted in a decrease of 10 dB. However, no clinical hearing changes or complaints were observed in the involved patients. No differences in audiograms between level 1 or 2 arthroscopy were observed. The study reinforces the safety of the TMJ arthroscopy level 1 and 2 with the reported protocol. The authors recommend larger studies to validate the results, specially for frequency 8 kHz.     

颞下颌关节结构形态的测量分析

目的 了解颞下颌关节的结构形态,研究咬合运动与关节形态之间的关系,为关节镜手术时确定手术范围以及手术部位与邻近解剖标志之间的关系提供参考。方法 解剖测试7具尸体颞下颌关节髁突和关节窝的大小,前、后斜面斜度,髁突附着关节盘时的斜度,以及关节上腔前后隐窝壁之间的距离和分别至耳屏后缘中点的距离,分析颞下颌关节的结构形态。结果 测量髁突、关节盘、关节窝、关节上腔与邻近解剖标志之间关系的参数值。结论 （1）髁突通过关节盘与关节窝相协调吻合,并增大前斜面斜度,使运动中的髁突在骨性结构不溶的关节窝中趋于稳定;（2）髁突横嵴有一定成角,使髁突在侧向运动中可以与关节窝形成类似点面接触,而具有灵活性;（3）关节上腔前后隐窝壁之间距离,以及与耳屏后缘中点,外耳道软骨的距离,关节窝大小对颞下颌关节内窥镜术者掌握好穿刺深度、范围和方向都是重要的参数;（4）颞下颌关节在人的一生中一直处于不断的改建状态。     

Expression of osteoprotegerin in synovial tissue and degradation of articular cartilage: comparison with arthroscopic findings of temporomandibular joint disorders

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlations among the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in synovial tissue and the degree of synovitis, the degeneration of articular cartilage, and the adhesions in patients with internal derangement and osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).Study design The expression of OPG, which was detected immunohistochemically, and the degree of arthroscopy of 31 patients with internal derangement and osteoarthritis of the TMJ were assessed and the correlations between them were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: OPG was expressed in the cytoplasm of the endothelial cells, synovial lining cells, and fibroblast cells. TMJs with osteoarthritis had a higher degree of articular cartilage degeneration than did TMJs with internal derangement. There was a correlation between the expression of OPG in the endothelial cells and the degree of the articular cartilage degeneration (P <.01). CONCLUSION: The expression of OPG might be associated with the development of degenerative changes of articular cartilage.     

Reoperative temporomandibular joint surgery

TMJ surgeries are not always successful. Many potential pitfalls can occur during any phase of the treatment and can lead to complications, less than desirable results, and short- or long-term failures. Unsatisfactory results can occur for multiple reasons, including misdiagnosis of the original pathologic condition, incorrect selection of surgical technique, technical failures, complications, systemic disease, and unrealistic expectations. This article focuses on the reoperation of the TMJ primarily in cases of internal derangement and discusses TMJ arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, modified condylotomy, and open joint procedures.     

34例髁突骨折伴发外耳道骨折临床分析

目的: 探讨髁突骨折与外耳道骨折的关系及同期手术的必要性。方法: 230例320侧髁突骨折根据骨折线位置不同分为矢状（Ⅰ型）、头部 （Ⅱ型）、颈部 （Ⅲ型）、髁突下（Ⅳ型）4种类型, 随访髁突与外耳道骨折同期手术与否的预后差异。采用SPSS 20.0软件包中的χ²检验,比较不同类别髁突骨折伴同侧外耳道骨折之间的差异。结果: 230例320侧髁突骨折伴外耳道骨折34例46侧,Ⅰ~Ⅳ型分别为12侧、16侧、7侧、5侧,另有6侧外耳道骨折无髁突骨折。Ⅲ型髁突骨折伴同侧外耳道骨折发生率显著低于另外3型（P<0.05）;Ⅰ型髁突骨折伴外耳道骨折的发生率显著高于Ⅳ型（P<0.05）,其他各型之间两两比较无显著差异。22例30侧随访至受伤后6个月,5例8侧在排除外耳道脑脊液漏的情况下,同期行髁突及外耳道骨折治疗,术后6个月外耳道无狭窄,听力无下降;另17例22侧均出现不同程度的外耳道狭窄,其中4例5侧出现严重听力障碍（均为外耳道粉碎性骨折）。结论: 髁突颈部骨折伴外耳道骨折的概率较低,而髁突矢状骨折较基底部骨折更易导致外耳道骨折。治疗颌面部骨折,应早期发现、治疗外耳道骨折,积极预防外耳道狭窄、听力下降等并发症。     

Rearthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint: A retrospective study of 600 arthroscopies

Purpose

Arthroscopic surgery is an effective treatment for patients with temporomandibular disorders, releasing symptoms and restoring the mandibular function. In patients with poor arthroscopic outcomes, several options of treatment can be considered such as conservative nonsurgical therapy, open surgery, or a second arthroscopy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our results after 619 arthroscopies.

Comparison of cytokine level in synovial fluid between successful and unsuccessful cases in arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare proinflammatory cytokine levels between successful cases and unsuccessful cases of arthrocentesis in patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study involved 73 joints judged as successful and 30 judged as unsuccessful of 103 joints in 100 patients diagnosed with internal derangement of the TMJ and who underwent arthrocentesis. The diluted synovial fluid before undergoing arthrocentesis was aspirated from the superior joint space. The concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The differences in the detection rate and concentration of each cytokine between successful cases and unsuccessful cases were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between successful cases (72.2%) and unsuccessful cases (95.5%) in the detection ratio of IL-6 (P <.05). There was a statistically significant difference between successful cases (0.017 pg/100 microg protein) and unsuccessful cases (0.046 pg/100 microg protein) in the concentration of IL-1beta (P <.05). CONCLUSION: It has been shown that the presence of IL-1beta and IL-6 in synovial fluid may be indicators of possible unsuccessful treatment following arthrocentesis for internal derangement of the TMJ.