Discopexy using resorbable pins in temporomandibular joint arthroscopy: Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging medium-term results

Abstract

To describe the use of resorbable pins for disc fixation in a series of patients and their medium-term outcomes. A study was conducted in 26 patients who underwent operative arthroscopic surgery and discopexy using resorbable pins. All patients were refractory to conservative treatment and presented, in at least one joint, anterior disc displacement without reduction on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pre- and postoperative evaluation parameters were disc position on MRI, maximal interincisal opening, lateral movements, joint pain, and articular locking and clicking. The technique was performed in 34 joints, and 47 pins were inserted. Mouth opening increased significantly, from a mean of 31.24mm preoperatively to 39.57mm 1 year postoperatively (p<0.05). Patients reported a decrease in pain, obtaining values on a visual analogue scale (1-100) of less than 20 after 1 year postsurgery (mean improvement 47.9 points, p<0.05). Analyzing 1-year MRI findings, in 65% of joints the discs were repositioned and in 20% of joints discs were in a more posterior position. The use of resorbable pins is a useful technique for disc fixation and shows medium-term improvement in clinical parameters and mandibular function. However, further studies are needed to evaluate a longer follow-up, joint morphologic changes, and disc stability on imaging.