The need for arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), with or without biopsy, arises when a patient experiences TMJ dysfunction—such as pain, locking, or limited motion—due to suspected internal derangement, inflammation, or pathology, requiring minimally invasive inspection and possibly tissue sampling under anesthesia with assistance in a hospital, excluding other arthroscopic procedures on the same joint. This standalone procedure is indicated for diagnostic or minor therapeutic needs, critical in the maxillofacial region where TMJ health affects chewing and jaw movement.
Several scenarios necessitate this intervention:
For instance, a patient with chronic TMJ pain and clicking might undergo arthroscopy to check for disc displacement, with a biopsy taken if inflammation suggests arthritis, performed under anesthesia for comfort. In an aged care context, an elderly patient with unexplained jaw stiffness could benefit from this to diagnose degenerative changes, adjusted for their frailty and tolerance. By using a small scope to examine the TMJ, this service provides diagnostic clarity, guides treatment, and minimizes invasiveness, making it an essential tool for managing TMJ issues within the maxillofacial framework.
Diagnoses TMJ issues, guides treatment, and reduces pain with minimal invasion.
Recovery of 1-2 weeks with mild jaw soreness and restricted motion; hospital stay typically short.
