Clinical evaluation of arthroscopic eminoplasty for habitual dislocation of the temporomandibular joint: comparative study with conventional open eminectomy

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the clinical courses of patients who underwent arthroscopic eminoplasty and conventional open eminectomy for habitual dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). STUDY DESIGN: Arthroscopic eminoplasty was performed by using Segami's method in 24 joints in 13 patients (arthroscopic group) with habitual dislocation of the TMJ, while conventional open eminectomy was performed by using Myrhaug's method in 18 joints in 11 patients (open group). Clinical factors were retrospectively compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The operation time per joint was, on average, 14 minutes shorter in the arthroscopic group (77 minutes versus 63 minutes), and the average blood loss was less in the arthroscopic group (2 g versus 15 g). During the follow-up period (mean, 41 months), dislocation recurred in 5 TMJs (28%) in the open group and in 6 TMJs (25%) in the arthroscopic group. No major postoperative complications were observed in either group. CONCLUSION: In treating patients with habitual dislocation of the TMJ, the use of arthroscopic eminoplasty produces clinical outcomes that are as effective as those obtained with the use of conventional open eminectomy.