Tomographic changes in the temporomandibular joint following arthroscopic surgery with lysis and lavage and eminentia release.

Seventy-one patients (128 joints) who underwent temporomandibular arthroscopies with lysis and lavage, capsular stretch, and release of adhesions and lateral capsular fibrosis were followed for an average of 24 months. Prearthroscopic and postarthroscopic temporomandibular joint tomograms were compared; 77.3% of the temporomandibular joints showed no postoperative changes, and 22.7% of the temporomandibular joints studied showed changes. The majority of these tomographic changes involved increase in condylar flattening and beaking. However, postoperative painful symptoms significantly decreased regardless of the radiographic findings.