Mr Elledge recently had the opportunity to join some of the top temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopic surgeons in Europe at the Amsterdam Skills Centre working on level 3 arthroscopy techniques (arthroscopic meniscopexy).
This was an excellent opportunity to refine arthroscopic surgery skills in a state of the art environment with world leaders in the field. Mr Elledge is one of only a handful of surgeons nationwide to provide advanced arthroscopic surgery including synovial coblation, synovial biopsy and anterior release of the intra-articular meniscus.
Level 3 arthroscopy encompasses arthroscopic meniscopexy. This involves “tying” the intra-articular disc or meniscus back to the surrounding tissues through a variety of techniques and is the most technically demanding part of arthroscopic surgery. This can correct painful clicking, limitation of function and intermittent locking. In instances of disc perforation, the technique can even move perforations away from the articulating surfaces of the joint, avoiding the need for open surgery with associated complications.
The ultimate aim is maximising the potential for minimally invasive surgery to save joints and avoid the need for more extensive operations. I am committed to this endeavour, travelling to observe and train as far afield as Canada, the USA and now the Netherlands to meet leading international experts and train side by side in hands on cadaveric dissection courses, learning from the best, sharing ideas and expanding skills in a rapidly growing field. The future of TMJ surgery will be through pushing the boundaries of arthroscopic surgery and regenerative medicine. As a Full Member of the European Society of TMJ Surgeons (ESTMJS) and former lead of the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) TMJ Subspecialty Interest Group (SSIG), Mr Elledge is committed to being at the cutting edge of advances in arthroscopic surgery and lifelong learning.
Find out more about our jaw surgery techniques at Elledge Surgical today, and contact us if you have any queries on TMJ surgery.
