EFFECTS OF CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WHO LATER WILL BE CANDIDATES FOR TMJ SURGERY

In an attempt the effect of conservative treatment in 33 patients with longstanding symptoms from the joint and later subjected to temporoma ndibular joint surgery, a retrospective study was made based on carefu l case records and personal follow-up. The treatment period varied wid ely between the patients but was on average 2.5 years. The result of t he conservative treatment in these patients was, however, very slight and limited to a minor increase in mouth-opening capacity. All TMJ-pat ients, including those with the diagnosis ADD and suspected ankylosis, ought to have a strict treatment and follow-up programme in order to reduce doctor's delay if and when surgical intervention should be nece ssary. Efforts should be focused on development of diagnostic methods to support the selection of patients for TMJ surgery earlier so as to avoid prolonged unsuccessful conservative treatment.