Modern temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Surgery

This lecture will be a reminiscence of 40+ years of TMJ evaluation, diagnosis, non-surgical, and surgical treatment modalties, and a discussion of long-term outcomes in a private practice setting, involving over 900 cases. The presenter is of the opinion that TMJ meniscectomy is the most reliable and long-term successful method for initial management of chronic TMJ internal derangements that are refractory to conservative non-surgical treatment modalities. The simple criteria for TMJ surgery are: Failed conservative therapy, Positive MRI findings, Chronic narcotic-dependent pain, and Severe limitation of motion. At this point, TMJ meniscectomy can be performed under IV sedation as an out-patient office procedure.