[Diagnosis and treatment of fibrous adhesion into upper joint compartment of the TMJ. Part 1. Double contrast arthrotomographic findings].

A fibrous adhesion into upper joint compartment of the TMJ is indicated by a secondary pathological condition of disk displacement. The fibrous adhesion increases resistance to motion in the joint because the condyle translation has been disrupted. Fibrous adhesion cases resist splint therapy, manipulation technique and manipulation-while-pumping the upper joint compartment. Diagnosis of fibrous adhesion into upper joint compartment is important for internal derangement of the TMJ. The diagnosis depends on information from double contrast arthrotomography of the TMJ. But double contrast arthrotomography findings of fibrous adhesion into upper joint compartment of the TMJ have been recognized in few reports. We have described the varied conditions of the fibrous adhesion into the upper joint compartment of the TMJ by double contrast arthrotomographic findings. These cases confirmed the fibrous adhesion into the upper joint compartment of the TMJ by arthroscopy. Double contrast arthrotomographic findings were as follows: 1. Narrow fibrous band-like structure is observed into upper joint compartment of the TMJ. 2. A partial expansion of the upper joint compartment can be seen with a contrast medium injection. Also positional change of this stenosis decreases in both open and closed jaw positions.