Outcomes of 152 temporomandibular joints following arthroscopic anterolateral capsular release by holmium: YAG laser or electrocautery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical results and efficacy of arthroscopic anterolateral capsular release achieved through the use of a holmium:YAG laser or electrocautery for the management of patients with internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

STUDY DESIGN: We studied internal derangement (106 joints) and osteoarthritis (46 joints) of the TMJ in 129 patients. Preoperatively, the mean mouth-opening degree was 31 mm and 129 TMJs exhibited moderate to severe arthralgia. All patients underwent arthroscopic anterolateral capsular release achieved with a holmium:YAG laser (84 TMJs) or through electrocautery (68 TMJs).

RESULTS: At the end of each patient's respective follow-up period, which ranged from 2 to 72 months (mean, 19 months), the mean mouth-opening degree was 43 mm (P<.0001). Also during that time, 105 joints were discovered to exhibit no arthralgia and 36 had mild arthralgia. The total success rates with 2 sets of criteria were 92.8% and 95.6%.

CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic anterolateral capsular release is a minimally invasive and effective surgical method for the treatment of patients with TMJ intracapsular disorders.