A topographic study of temporomandibular joint arthroscopy

Objective To understand the anatomic relationship between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) an d the adjacent important nerves and vessels so as to grasp the way and the scope of operation well and to reduce the occurrence of operating complications.
Methods We dissected and mesured the TMJ of seven cadavers to study its anatomic structure, adjacent landmarks and relation with important nerves and vessels.In addition, 20 CT films of central position of nasal septum and symmetry of bilateral anatomic structrues were studied to. measure the anterior inclining angle of external auditory meatus.
Results There is a close relationship between TMJ and the frontal branch of facial nerve, the transverse facial artery and vein as well as the anterior auricular nerve and vascular plexus.The angles of anterior bevel of the anticular fossa with ala-tragus line and external auditary canal with the coronary plane, and the thinness of the thinnest part of the anticular fossa might be useful parameters in guiding the operating maneuver.
Conclusion The operation of TMJ arthroscopy should know thoroughly the anatomic structures of TMJ and its relation with surrounding tissues, even though the operative trauma is small.In so doing the rate of operative complications might be reduced to a minimum.