Ultrathin arthroscope for use in the lower compartment of the temporomandibular joint.
Arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint has been performed mainly in the upper joint space because the instruments available have been too thick to be safely inserted into the lower joint space. This article describes a newly developed ultrathin arthroscope with an outer diameter of 0.69 mm that has been specifically developed to be used in the lower space of the temporomandibular joint. This arthroscope can be inserted into the lower joint space with a standard 18-gauge needle. The article describes the arthroscope in its initial application to patient and cadaver material.
First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Tsurumi University, Yokohama, Japan.
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T
Kondoh
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PL
Westesson
D020679:Arthroscopes; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006801:Humans; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D014743:Videotape Recording