TMJ surgery is very similar to other orthopedic surgeries. Many people have heard about their favorite athlete get a “scope” to help with knee or hip trouble. The same “scope” can help with TMJ trouble. Arthroscopy is an outpatient surgery performed under general anesthesia.
Here are common questions we are asked
Arthroscopy is useful for both the diagnosis and treatment of internal derangement of the TMJ. It allows us to see the location of the disc and to determine if a perforation or a tear in the disc is present. It helps improve the movement of the joint and reduce pain for people with minimal arthritis in the joint.
Often times, we order a MRI to better evaluate the amount of arthritis present and the type of internal derangement. Common disorders that respond well to arthroscopy include painful clicking, a stuck disc, a chronic closed lock of the TMJ, or scar tissue build up from previous injuries.
Absolutely. Like all other TMJ surgeries, you should try to get better with more conservative approaches. Common ones include jaw rest, medication, physical therapy, or even splint therapy. In terms of surgery, a good alternative to arthroscopy is injection therapy.
Nope. You do need physical therapy though. Physical therapy helps keep your joint moving after the scar is removed or the capsule is released.
The most common risk with surgical arthroscopy is persistent symptoms. Pain or limitation in movement following surgery is always a risk so we have you limit chewing and liberalize movement. Physical therapy is very important in recovery.
Sometimes during arthroscopy, the joint is worse off than expected. In that situation, Dr. Bobek converts to open surgery. He will discuss this with you in detail.
Face weakness, change in occlusion, and face numbness are other more rare risks.
TMJ disorders are seldom “fixed”. Unfortunately they flare up from time to time. Arthroscopy is a surgical technique to help you adapt to the different anatomy in the joint and manage longer term flare ups. The surgery increases the space in the superior joint (the joint that slides down the skull) allowing for more movement. The joint can be injected with steroid or prf during arthroscopy. Botox is sometimes injected into the lateral pterygoid during the procedure as well. All of these can help with pain and movement of the joint, but they do not “fix” the joint.