[The role of arthroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders].

Arthroscopy means Looking into a joint and is derived from the Greek words Arthros, which means Joint and Scopien, which means To view. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure aimed at diagnosis and treatment of intra-articular joint disorders. Arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint was first described in 1974, and since then has become an acceptable therapeutic modality for various joint pathologies. During a 6-year period (April 2010 to January 2016), two hundred and two patients have been treated by arthroscopy in our department. The majority of patients (124) were diagnosed as suffering from acute or chronic closed lock of the temporomandibular joint. Thirty five patients suffered from mild internal derangement conditions, and 33 patients suffered from various forms of osteoarthritic conditions and degenerative joint disease. The success rate for the different groups ranged from 77% to 89%. The complication rate was low (3%) and all adverse events were temporary. The success of the procedure ..depends on careful patient selection (exclusion of muscular, neurologic, and psychogenic disorders), and strict adherence to the surgical protocol with meticulous attention to every detail. Arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint is a safe and effective treatment,for various derangement and degenerative joint disorders, achieving high rates of success with minimal morbidity and surgical risks.