Complications of Diagnostic TMJ Arthroscopy: An Institutional Study.

Abstract

The prevalence of using arthroscopy for the diagnosis of the TMJ disorders is increasing due to its superiority to conventional methods of imaging. Although considered to be safe, complications do occur. A single operator single-institution retrospective study consisting of 50 patients taken up for diagnostic arthroscopy was analysed for complications. Lacerations of external acoustic meatus was found in 03 patients (6%); immediate partial hearing loss was seen in 01 patient (2%); transient facial nerve palsy was found in 05 patients (10%); sensory disturbances over the distribution of auriculotemporal nerve was evident in 01 patient (2%); haemorrhage as visualised by excessive bleeding through trocar skin puncture wound was seen in 05 patients (5%). Post-operative pain more than the pre-operative pain on assessment by visual analogue scale was noted in 05 patients (10%) on the immediate post-operative day. Reduction in spontaneous mouth opening was noted in 15 patients (30%). Though the complication rate was found to be higher than most of the other studies, they were minor which resolved without any intervention. The cases with complications were clustered at the beginning of the series which suggests the steep learning curve and the importance of surgeons' experience and skill involved in this procedure.