TMJ arthroplasty bilateral
In arthroscopic surgery, the doctor inserts tiny surgical tools and a camera into a few small cuts in your jaw. It is the type of surgery most often used for TM disorders. It is used to:
- Remove scar tissue and cartilage that is too thick.
- Reshape parts of the jawbone.
- Reposition the articular disc, which cushions the ball and socket of the jaw joint.
- Tighten the joint to limit movement.
- Flush out the joint.
- Insert an anti-inflammatory medicine.
In open-joint surgery, the doctor makes a large cut or incision that exposes the joint. It is used when:
- There are bony growths in the jaw joint, which are hard to reach with arthroscopic surgery.
- There are complications from a previous surgery.
- The joint is fused together by bony growth.
- The joint can't be reached with arthroscopic surgery.
Surgery for temporomandibular (TM) disorder
doesn't guarantee a cure, and it can make a jaw joint problem worse. It is considered a last resort. Whenever possible, it's best to preserve the normal joint structure, rather than cutting, removing, or replacing any part of it.