Complications of temporomandibular joint arthroscopy: a retrospective analysis of 301 lysis and lavage procedures performed using the triangulation technique.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the complications of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopic lysis and lavage performed using the triangulation technique.


METHODS
The 202 consecutive patients (301 joints) who underwent arthroscopic lysis and lavage between 1992 and 1995 were retrospectively surveyed. The preoperative diagnosis of all patients was anterior disc displacement without reduction.


RESULTS
Complications were observed in 31 (10.3%) of 301 cases of arthroscopic lysis and lavage. Of these, otologic complications were found in 26 cases (8.6%): blood clots in the external auditory canal in 9; laceration of external auditory canal in 7; partial hearing loss in 5; ear fullness in 2; vertigo in 1; and perforation of tympanic membrane with laceration of external auditory canal in 1. Neurologic injuries were found in 5 cases (1.7%): fifth cranial nerve injuries in 3; and seventh cranial nerve injuries in 2. No other complications were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
A high level of understanding of the regional anatomy helps reduce the complications associated with arthroscopic lysis and lavage in the TMJ.
Tsuyama
M
M
First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kyushu Dental College, Kitakyushu, Japan.
Kondoh
T
T
Seto
K
K
Fukuda
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D020209:Cranial Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D004426:Ear Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology*; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019152:Paracentesis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000473:pathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000601:surgery*; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D061221:Trigeminal Nerve Injuries; D061285:Vestibulocochlear Nerve Injuries