Surgery of the temporomandibular joint. II. Microsurgery.

The operating microscope has revolutionized many surgical procedures. Pioneering microtechniques for exploring and reconstructing the temporomandibular joint have been modified. The preauricular, endaural, and postauricular incisions may be used for approaching the temporomandibular joint in microsurgery procedures. Determinations of pathologic conditions and observations of temporomandibular joint function-dysfunction are dramatic and rewarding. Precision surgery using microinstruments, microneedles, microdrills, bipolar cautery, and the laser allows accuracy of technique that previously was impossible. Representative case presentations illustrate patient treatment, surgical incision, microsurgical technique employed, and clinical results obtained.