Pterygoid disjunction for internal derangement of temporomandibular joint.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate the outcomes of pterygoid disjunction (PD) carried out as the primary treatment modality for reducing disc displacement type of internal derangement (ID) of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) refractory to conservative management and arthrocentesis.


METHODS
59 PD were carried out in 33 patients. In 26 cases procedure was done bilaterally and in 7 cases unilaterally as per the presentation from 2008 to 2010. Three patients were lost to follow up. Using the Helkimo Anamnestic and Clinical Dysfunction Indices cases were evaluated pre and postoperatively after 1 year.


RESULTS
All 30 cases showed improvement. After 1 year follow up 6 cases were in Dio and 22 cases were in DiI and 2 cases were in DiII of clinical dysfunction index. From which we can co-relate that post surgically all the patients were benefited by this procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
PD as a primary surgical option significantly reduces pain and improves function in the refractory cases of reducing disc displacement type of ID of TMJ.
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Military Hospital, Jalandhar Cantt, Punjab, 144005 India.
Rohit
R
Sharma