Arthroscopic-assisted release of lateral pterygoid versus scarification of retrodiscal tissue in management of internal derangement of temporomandibular joint

Abstract Introduction: The treatment goal for temporomandibular disorders is to reduce pain and return to normal movement. Conservative arthrocentesis and arthroscopic lysis and lavage were recently introduced. Aim: To evaluate the clinical and imaging outcomes after arthrocentesis or arthroscopic lysis and lavage for treating temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement with reduction. Patients and methods: Fifty patients with temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement with reduction, classified as one of the radiological stage I or II Wilkes classification, allocated to two equal groups: arthrocentesis-treated group or arthroscopic-treated group. Results: Both techniques had a significant improvement in pain postoperatively than preoperatively ( P < 0.001; P < 0.001; respectively), with no significant difference between the groups. Maximum mouth opening, right and left excursion were statistically significantly higher in the arthroscopic lysis and lavage group, starting from the second week. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement compared with preoperative values. Conclusion: Arthroscopic lysis and lavage is excellent procedure for treatment of temporomandibular disorders as patients condition improved with short time postoperative. Arthrocentesis can also give same results but needs longer time.