Temporomandibular joint surgery: a review of fifty-one operations.

The clinical records of thirty-six patients previously treated with fifty-one TMJ surgical procedures were reviewed and analyzed. Each patient was sent a questionnaire designed to elicit a perception of the results of the surgical treatment. Seventy-seven percent of the respondents reported that their TMJ area discomfort was "much better", and 94 percent would have the surgery again. Fifteen patients had preoperative interincisal openings of less than 35 mm. Of these patients, eleven had postoperative interincisal openings of 35 mm., or more with a mean increase of 13 mm. The findings of this study indicate a high percentage of patient satisfaction with the results of TMJ surgery and a general improvement in ability to function.