Efficiency of arthroscopic lysis and lavage for internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint correlated with Wilkes classification.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the outcome of arthroscopic lysis and lavage of TMJ with internal derangement of Wilkes stages II, III, IV, and V.

STUDY DESIGN: Arthroscopic lysis and lavage was performed in 45 TMJ of 39 patients with internal derangement. The cases were divided into 4 groups corresponding to Wilkes stages II, III, IV, and V. Two parameters were compared pre- and postoperatively: pain and mouth opening. Statistical significance was determined using the chi(2) test.

RESULTS: Overall success rate was 86.7% (Wilkes stage II 90.9%, Wilkes stage III 92.3%, Wilkes stage IV 84.6%, Wilkes stage V 75%). There were no statistically significant differences between the success rates for Wilkes stages II, III, IV, and V.

CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic lysis and lavage should be performed as a standard operation for internal derangement of the TMJ after failure of conservative treatment in all Wilkes stages.