Arthroscopic versus open disc repositioning and suturing techniques for the treatment of temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement: 3-year follow-up study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopic and open disc repositioning procedures in the management of anterior disc displacement (ADD). All consecutive patients treated with arthroscopic (group I) or open (group II) disc repositioning between April 2014 and August 2018 were included prospectively. The patients were assessed clinically (1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperative) and with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics v.22.0; P < 0.05 was considered significant. A total of 177 patients (227 joints) were included: 104 patients (130 joints) in group I and 73 patients (97 joints) in group II. There were statistically significant improvements in pain score, clicking, quality of life, diet, and maximum inter-incisal opening when comparing pre-and postoperative clinical parameters within the two groups (P < 0.05 at all time-points for all clinical parameters); however, improvements occurred earlier in group I (at 1 month) than in group II (6 months). Postoperative MRI revealed an overall success rate of 98.1% in group I and 97.3% in group II. New bone formation was found in 70.2% in group I and 30.1% in group II. Arthroscopy may be a better choice for ADD patients, with the advantages of faster clinical improvement and recovery, minimal invasiveness, and better condylar remodelling.