Arthroscopy of the human temporomandibular joint.

Diagnostic arthroscopy of the human temporomandibular joint was investigated on both fresh human cadavers and presurgical arthrotomy patients. It was possible to visualize all of the major anatomic structures in the superior joint space. Inferior joint space techniques were explored on cadavers but not perfected for clinical use. Closed arthroscopic surgical techniques were performed on the cadaver specimens using a variety of instruments such as probes, miniature biopsy forceps, and motorized soft tissue resection and bone abraiding devices.