Surgery of the Temporomandibular Joint: Surgical Arthroscopy

Arthroscopic surgery is one of the most popular and effective methods of diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders since TMJ disorders have become an increasingly widespread problem in our society. Arthroscopic evaluation enables the surgeon to visualize the joint and, therefore, contributes to the diagnosis of the internal pathologic condition of the joint. It has advantages over open joint surgery as it allows inspection of a surgically undisturbed joint both at rest and in function. However, TMJ arthroscopy only allows access to the upper joint space and is limited in the procedures and pathology it can be applied to. Surgical treatment is indicated in only about 5% of patients with TMJ disorders. Thus, a stringent patient selection is the key and an essential foundation for successful surgical treatment.