Analysis of correlations between health-related quality of life and clinical measures after arthroscopic lysis and lavage of the temporomandibular joint

How well patient perceived outcome reflects clinical measurements after arthroscopic lysis and lavage of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to detect any correlation between patient reported outcome measures (PROM) and clinical follow-up measurements. Patients with internal derangement of the TMJ treated with arthroscopic lysis and lavage 2014-2019 were consented for review of medical records and a follow-up PROM-questionnaire. The predictor was maximal mouth opening (MMO) and presence of pain. The main outcome variable was a PROM-score. Secondary outcome variables were time from treatment to follow-up, gender, and age. Student's T-test and Pearson's correlation test were used. Out of 127 patients eligible for inclusion 62, 14 men and 48 women, with a mean age of 43.58 years accepted participation. The mean follow-up time was 76.02 months (44-109 months). A correlation was observed between PROM-score and postoperative MMO, r = -0.34 (p = 0.01) and between PROM-score and the progression of MMO, r = -0.17 (p = 0.21). In conclusion, outcome measures after arthroscopic treatment of internal derangement of the TMJ showed conformity between clinical and PROM measures.