Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Surgery
TMJ surgery is an irreversible treatment that can be helpful for some patients with TMD. It should only be done if you have a condition that cannot be treated with more conservative treatments.
This surgery is also called “open joint surgery.” Instead of small incisions (cuts), a larger incision is made during an arthrotomy. You may need a TMJ arthrotomy if you have severe adhesions, severer osteoarthritis, ankylosis, a tumor or a painful chronic or non-reducing disc dislocation. Surgery may range from simple removal of adhesions, disc repair or disc replacement to total joint replacement. There is no guarantee of success with this surgery. You may have more pain after the surgery than you had before the procedure. Always get several second opinions from trained experts before deciding on TMJ surgery.
Total joint replacement is available for advanced cases of TMD with a large amount of joint damage and severely limited opening.
TMJ Arthroscopy
This surgery may help if you have pain, very limited joint movement or locking due to a displaced disc, adhesions and arthritis. During arthroscopy, a small incision (cut) is made just above the front of the ear. The surgeon inserts tiny instruments through the incision and guides them into the TMJ. Like an arthocentesis, this surgery can be done to move a displaced disc back into place, remove adhesions and/or treat inflammation. Arthroscopy has major limitations due to the smallness of the instruments and limited space within the joint. Recent research results suggest that TMJ arthrocentesis may be as effective as TMJ arthroscopic surgery.
TMJ Arthrotomy
This surgery is also called “open joint surgery.” Instead of small incisions (cuts), a larger incision is made during an arthrotomy. You may need a TMJ arthrotomy if you have severe adhesions, severer osteoarthritis, ankylosis, a tumor or a painful chronic or non-reducing disc dislocation. Surgery may range from simple removal of adhesions, disc repair or disc replacement to total joint replacement. There is no guarantee of success with this surgery. You may have more pain after the surgery than you had before the procedure. Always get several second opinions from trained experts before deciding on TMJ surgery.
Total joint replacement is available for advanced cases of TMD with a large amount of joint damage and severely limited opening.