Ultra-thin Rigid diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy during arthrocentesis: Development and preliminary clinical findings

Abstract

Arthroscopy is useful to detect early changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).Despite great advances in arthroscopy, many arthroscopic surgeries have now been replaced by arthrocentesis. We propose a simple diagnostic and therapeutic method having operative rigid ultra-thin arthroscopy with 16 gauge needle size combined with arthrocentesis.

Selecting manuscript for publication

“…Among the articles published in 2015, several articles have not been cited. Examples of these include “For arthrocentesis, ultra-thin arthroscopy can be used” [1] and “For the palatal expansion, custom-made appliances can be considered” [2]. Though some issue raised in these articles may be interesting, novel findings are few.…”

Headaches, Migraine, and TMJ Pain Management: Medical and Surgical Intervention

“…Arthroscopy may add more to the benefit of this mode of treatment such as the ability to visualize any internal derangements using an endoscope, coagulate inflamed synovial lining with laser, and to manipulate or reposition of the disc as needed. Hence, the procedure is indicated toward cases of intracapsular disease primarily [20].…”

“…MRI is usually performed preoperatively to confirm the type of derangements and stage of involvement. It might be contraindicated to use this treatment in cases of advanced TMD, ankylosis, or primary muscular disease that requires preemptive consideration [19][20][21]. The technique is directed toward inserting a circulatory flush to the superior joint space.…”

“…The technique is directed toward inserting a circulatory flush to the superior joint space. The literature describes variable techniques to do so, starting from single-entry point, two, or even three while other literature reported that inferior joint space, although smaller in size, is reported to be effective in arthrocentesis [20,21]. A line drawn from the mid-posterior tragus to lateral canthus can be used as an anatomical landmark to determine the entrance point.…”

“…Asking the patient to slightly open the mouth or distracting the condyle antero-inferior can help locate the proper space. A lot of factors may change the entrance point such as age, remodeling, pathological disease, condyle shape, and different translational modes [20,21]. On occasions, practitioners might not succeed to establish the circulatory flow, which might be caused due to loss of the joint distention, false location, numerous fibrous compartments, or internal pathology such as ankylosis.…”