[Clinical application of computed arthroscope of the temporomandibular joint].
OBJECTIVE
The effect of clinical application on the computed arthroscope of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is evaluated.


METHODS
The single arthroscopic images were input into computer and memorized into magneto optical disk. With the help of Photoshop 5.0 in WINDOWS 95, the images were combined by technique of virtual process, adjusted by rotation of images, marginal blur, and chromatism correction to compound sagittal and/or coronal panoramic images of articular surfaces. According to different needs, the composite images can be printed with different printers. During the period from May 1998 to May 1999, the TMJ preoperative panoramic images were composed with computed arthroscope (CA) in the 32 joints. Of them, there were 12 joints with internal derangement (ID), 8 osteoarthrosis (OA), 8 adhesion, 2 disk perforation, and 2 synovial chondromatosis. The post-operative panoramic images were also made up to evaluate the surgical effects in 10 joints.


RESULTS
In all of 32 joints, the 32 panoramic arthroscopic images of upper cavities were composed. In addition, the images of lower cavities were composed in 2 OA and 1 perforation. The postoperative panoramic images were also made up in 4 OA, 4 adhesion, and 2 synovial chondromatosis. All of the above-mentioned images showed integrally the entire structure of articular cavity, intracapsular pathologic/surgical appearances, and the relationships among the different tissues or articular surfaces.


CONCLUSIONS
The CA can enhance the comprehensive ability of diagnostic arthroscope, and help to exchange and spread the experiences of the TMJ arthroscopic surgery.
Yang
C
C
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Shanghai Second Medical University.
Qiu
W
W
Wang
X
X
Cai
X
X
Ha
Q
Q
D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis