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Open-Joint Arthroplasty for Temporomandibular Disorders

Table of Contents

Surgery Overview

Open-joint arthroplasty is surgery to repair, reposition, replace, or remove parts in a joint. When used to treat temporomandibular disorder (TMD), this usually involves the articular disc that cushions the jaw joint.

During open-joint arthroplasty of the jaw, an incision is made in the skin to expose the jaw joint. The surgeon may repair, reposition, or replace the disc with your own tissue or an artificial disc. Scar tissue or bony growths in the jaw joint can also be removed.

Open-joint arthroplasty is done under general anesthesia. You can normally expect to go home the same day.

When jaw joint movement cannot be regained because the disc has changed too much or the joint has broken down, the surgeon may need to remove the disc (discectomy) and replace it with an artificial disc.

What To Expect

After surgery, medicines are prescribed to relieve pain and reduce swelling. You can start physical therapy within 48 hours to maintain movement and prevent scar tissue from forming. You may be given a mouthpiece (splint) to wear while rehabilitating your jaw.

Why It Is Done

Open-joint arthroplasty is used when:

How Well It Works

Disc repositioning surgery can relieve pain and improve jaw function. This surgery has good results most of the time.

Risks

Possible complications include:

Credits for Open-Joint Arthroplasty for Temporomandibular Disorders

Current as of: August 6, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
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