Arthroscopy vs. open-joint surgery for the management of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint: a retrospective study comparing female subjects from two centers.

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the treatment outcome of arthroscopy and open-joint surgery in the management of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Background: Apart from pain being the major complaint in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), a variety of function-related symptoms are reported including joint noises, locking, limited movement, and alterations in occlusion. Surgical management procedures of internal derangement of the TMJ vary widely at present. The criteria for the assessment of successful outcome of the treatment are also variable.

Methods And Materials: The retrospective study was carried out at two centers in Paris and Beirut. Sixty-two female patients with an age range of 35.1 years (28 had arthroscopy and 34 had open surgery) were included in the study. The patients were followed-up for 12 months. A standardized questionnaire and visual analogue scale (VAS) was developed and used for the assessment of pain and mandibular range of motion. A chi-square test was used to observe the significance of difference among both groups.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded arthroscopic surgery appeared to be safe with pain reduction and increased mandibular range of motion for 80% of the patients. Further research is needed on a larger prospective sample to assess the comparison of both techniques in terms of enhanced quality of life among the study population.

Clinical Significance: Arthroscopic surgery appears to be a safe, minimally invasive, and effective method for treating internal derangements of the TMJ.