TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT ARTHROCENTESIS
Temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive technique, performed most often under local anaesthesia. Its primary aim is to eliminate inflammatory mediators responsible for pain, decrease intra-articular pressure, release fibrous intra-articular adhesions and moisturize/lubricate the TMJ. In the early stages of temporomandibular joint problems, the disc and joint are in an inflammatory process leading to pain. This technique enables eliminating these inflammatory mediators, thus contributing to reduce the pain in this joint. Articular overload greatly increases intra-articular pressure and this technique enabling reducing overload. In very initial and particular cases, it allows the disc to be repositioned. In these situations, there is considerable dehydration of the disc and the joint, which is why we inject a viscous substance (hyaluronic acid). This moisturises the TMJ and the articular disc, contributing to harmonious movement of the temporomandibular joint. This whole procedure is done with fine needles so you will not have any scars and can be discharged 30 minutes after the intervention.
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT ARTHROSCOPY
Arthroscopy is a technique widely used in medicine. It enables us to perform minimally invasive surgical interventions in several joints of the human body such as the temporomandibular joint.
Dr Onishi is credited with having first introduced an arthroscope in the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) in 1975. This was the start of minimally invasive surgery to treat TMJ intra-articular problems (keyhole surgery). This technique enables the insertion of a tiny endoscope into the joint that makes an accurate diagnosis. It also enables small interventions to reposition the disc, treating areas of chronic intra-articular inflammation, eliminating joint adhesions, etc. Nowadays, there are many quality scientific studies that recommend arthroscopy for intra-articular treatments with success rates above 90% in some series. This technique enables fast recovery and leaves a small mark on the skin that is almost imperceptible, with the patient being discharged 6-8 hours after the intervention.
OPEN SURGERY OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT
Open surgery is reserved for more complex cases. There are several techniques within open surgery that you can discuss with your doctor. This approach enables placing a prosthesis of the temporomandibular joint.