A clinical study on the incidence of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint following harvesting of temporalis fascia

Objective The aim of the current clinical study was to reveal whether harvesting of a temporalis fascia graft would be associated with a higher incidence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement. Methods The study group involved 104 patients who had middle-ear operations, 67 of which involved harvesting of temporalis fascia and 37 that did not. The TMJs were clinically examined in each group. Results The total incidence of internal derangement of the TMJ was significantly higher in the group that had temporalis fascia harvesting (79.1%), compared to the group that did not have temporalis fascia harvesting (29.7%), (p= 0.001). Conclusion Harvesting of temporalis fascia probably alters mandibular kinematics and predisposes to internal derangement of the TMJs.