Athrocentesis: What, When, and Why?

The introduction of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy by Onishi in 1970 (results published in 1975 and 1980) opened a new modality for TMJ treatment. The efficiency of arthroscopic lavage and lysis led in the 1990s to its simplification: TMJ arthrocentesis. Always associated with load control, physiotherapy, and elimination of any occlusal hazards, arthrocentesis, a simple procedure, entails less expensive and more available tools and is performed under local anesthesia.

"Closed Reduction" Principles Can Manage Diverse Conditions of Temporomandibular Joint Vertical Height Loss: From Displaced Condylar Fractures to Idiopathic Condylar Resorption.

Purpose: The aim of this case series was to describe a modification of the classic "closed reduction" technique to manage unilateral or anterior open bite owing to a loss in vertical height (LVH) caused by several disorders and pathologies other than displaced condylar fractures.

Materials And Methods: The protocol included insertion of an occlusal appliance to increase the height of the premature contact and the width of the open bite, stabilization of the dental arches by rigid arches, and the use, during sleep, of rubber bands in the open bite region to pull the mandible cranially. In addition, when awake, the patient performed physiotherapy exercises to guide the mandible into maximum intercuspation.

Effect of Arthrocentesis on Symptomatic Osteoarthritis of the Temporomandibular Joint and Analysis of the Effect of Preoperative Clinical and Radiologic Features.

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term outcome of arthrocentesis in patients with symptomatic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis that was unresponsive to nonsurgical interventions.

Materials And Methods: Seventy-nine patients (83 joints) with symptomatic TMJ osteoarthritis that had not responded to nonsurgical interventions and who underwent arthrocentesis were included in this study. Demographic, clinical, and radiologic data, including assessment of pain, dysfunction, improvement, and satisfaction, and maximal mouth opening were analyzed.

Is entire removal of a post-traumatic temporomandibular joint ankylotic site necessary for an optimal outcome?

Purpose: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis that occurs after TMJ condylar fracture constitutes a treatment challenge. The purpose of the present study is shed light on an alternative treatment approach for certain such cases where the displaced condylar head or part of it can be detected in computed tomography. The leading principle of this protocol is accurate removal of the ankylotic mass only, leaving the condyle-disc apparatus un-touched.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of mandibular condyle: a case report and review of the literature.

An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) in the right mandibular condyle and ramus of a 37-year-old woman was surgically resected and immediately reconstructed with a costochondral graft. She was followed up for 5 years. A review of the 10 cases of condylar-ABC available in the literature revealed mean age of 16.

The clinical characteristics of condylar hyperplasia: experience with 61 patients.

Purpose: Much reported variation and discord exist regarding mandibular condylar hyperplasia (CH). This study evaluated some of the characteristics of this disorder in a series of 61 patients with active CH.

Patients And Methods: A total of 61 patients with active temporomandibular CH who had been evaluated in our departments were included.

Arthrocentesis--incentives for using this minimally invasive approach for temporomandibular disorders.

TMJ arthrocentesis is a nonarthroscopic lavage performed through two needles that are introduced into the upper compartment of the joint. Complemented by joint unloading and physiotherapy, this procedure often replaces surgical intervention in the TMJ. The procedure is highly efficient for resolving TMJ disorders caused by adhering forces or friction that are eliminated by lavage, such as intermittent clicking, anchored disc phenomenon, and open lock, and releases approximately 70% of the symptomatic TMJ osteoarthritis.

TMJ lubrication system: its effect on the joint function, dysfunction, and treatment approach.

Normal temporomandibular joint (TMJ) movements primarily depend on free sliding of the disc down the slope of the eminence. Therefore, understanding the lubrication system and how aberrations in this system contribute to TMJ is important. Its effect on dysfunctions, such as disc displacement, anchored disc phenomenon, open lock, and osteoarthritis, are discussed in this article.

Temporomandibular joint "open lock" versus condylar dislocation: signs and symptoms, imaging, treatment, and pathogenesis.

Purpose: In the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) "open-lock" condition the condyle is entrapped in front of the lagging disc and cannot slide back under the fossa. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the signs and symptoms and imaging of TMJ "open lock" versus condylar dislocation and clarify its pathogenesis. The study stresses the efficacy of arthrocentesis in restoring the functional capacity of the joint, while obviating the need for surgical intervention.