Arthrocentesis Versus Operative Arthroscopy Treatment of TMJ Internal Derangement (TMJ)

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are relatively common conditions and internal derangement is the most common among them. Different methods have been suggested for treatment , beginning with conservative approaches ending with surgery. Nowadays, arthroscopy and arthrocentesis have eliminated the use of many of the more complex surgical procedures. Despite such advancements, there is lack of prospective, randomized, clinical studies to support the use of either both. In doing the necessary studies, and comparing the results, it will be important to develop standardized patient selection criteria and treatment options to be used by all investigators. Objectives: To compare between arthrocentesis and operative arthroscopy in the management of patients with internal derangement of temporomandibular joint stage II and III Wilkes. Materials and Methods: a prospective study was done on 40 patients with temporomandibular joint internal derangement and were divided into 2 groups, 20 patients were treated with arthrocentesis and 20 patients were treated with operative arthroscopy.