Long-term evaluation following temporomandibular joint arthroscopy with lysis and lavage

Although temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis has been utilized for almost 20 years, most papers which evaluate the success of this procedure present relatively short-term data (less than two years). The purpose of this paper is to present the longer-term condition of 22 patients who were re-examined 2 to 10.8 years after arthroscopic surgery with lysis and lavage. Assessment of symptoms reported by the patient as well as of objective signs noted on clinical examination confirms resolution of pain on movement and increased vertical opening. These findings suggest that arthroscopic surgery of the temporomandibular joint is successful in the long term for patients with painful motion.