LOOSE BODIES IN THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT - THE ADVANTAGES OF ARTHROSCOPY

Loose bodies are a rare cause of temporomandibular joint symptoms. The ir main source is synovial chondromatosis. We report on clinical findi ngs, diagnostic methods, treatment choices and outcome following the r emoval of loose bodies in 10 patients. Seven patients were evaluated a nd treated by means of arthroscopy, while in three patients open arthr otomy was performed. In five patients, no diagnostic imaging technique had demonstrated the presence of loose bodies prior to arthroscopy. I n six patients, histology revealed synovial chondromatosis. In four pa tients, osteochondral fragments alone were found. Until now, the recom mended treatment of choice for the removal of all loose bodies and of affected synovial tissue required open arthrotomy. We conclude that th e advantages of arthroscopy consist in locating loose bodies that are not detectable radiologically and in reducing operative trauma.