Retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive surgical arthroscopies of the temporomandibular joint.

One hundred consecutive surgical arthroscopies of the temporomandibular joint were performed and evaluated with a mean follow-up of 19.4 months. Of the 66 patients, 72.7% had symptoms lasting more than 1 year. The mean postoperative increase in maximal incisal opening was 38.4%. A 7.5% failure rate was noted by objective criteria; 85.7% of the patients rated their postoperative pain and function greatly or moderately improved. All of the respondents stated they would have the arthroscopic surgery again if needed.