Arthrocentesis, Arthroscopic Assessment and Surgical Interventions

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD) are not rare in the general population and the patients not responding to conservative therapies are candidates for surgery. Among surgical interventions, arthrocentesis, arthroscopic interventions and anatomic restoration via arthrotomy are the most popular methods. Any surgical intervention should aim to restore the TMJ, which is anatomically very complex and delicate. It should not be forgotten that the treatment of TMJD must be multidisciplinary and the preoperative conservative therapies should be continued postoperatively. Turk J Phys Med Rehab 2010;56 Suppl 1:29-33.