Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy

What is TMJ arthroscopy?

TMJ arthroscopy is a minimally invasive “keyhole” procedure used to both diagnose and treat disorders of the jaw joint. It is a modern alternative to “open” surgery that offers significantly less downtime, minimal scarring, and a faster return to normal eating and talking.

Who is a candidate for TMJ Arthroscopy?

• Patients with internal jaw derangement.
• Early-stage arthritis of the jaw.
• Patients who haven’t found relief through mouthguards or physiotherapy.
• Those looking to avoid “open” joint surgery.

What is the procedure like?

Preparation: Performed as a day-case under general anesthesia.
The Procedure: A tiny 1.9mm camera (the Nexus CMF) is inserted through a small puncture. Additional punctures are made with similar dimensions anterior to this to enable interventional treatments with no larger incisions or scars.
Advanced Treatment: Mr. Elledge can perform “Level 2” techniques (like biopsies, coblation, capsular release and/or myotomy to “free up” the intra-articular disc) using a second entry point.

Potential Risks

TMJ arthroscopy is performed as a day-case surgery (no overnight stay) and has an excellent safety record. While all surgery carries some risk, this procedure is considered minimally invasive with a very favorable safety profile.

Common Side Effects (Temporary)

These are normal parts of the healing process and typically resolve within a few weeks:

• Swelling and Bruising: Common around the ear and jaw area.
• Initial Discomfort: You may feel an increase in pain for the first 1–2 weeks before improvement begins.
• Minimal Scarring: The tiny “port” entries usually heal so well they become undetectable.

Rare Complications

Serious complications are uncommon because of the precision of the instruments used. These include:

• Sensory Changes: Temporary or permanent numbness or tingling in the lip, chin, cheek, scalp and/or tongue.
• Facial Nerve Risk: A very small risk of temporary or permanent facial weakness.
  Note: In Mr. Elledge’s practice to date, there have been zero cases of permanent facial paralysis following arthroscopic surgery.
• Structural Injury: Extremely rare damage to the ear canal, eardrum, or surrounding area which has been documented in the scientific literature.

What to expect after surgery

Day 0: Go home the same day.
Week 1: Rest and gentle jaw exercises.
Week 2: Return to normal work and baseline activity.
Week 6: Full review to assess significant pain and functional improvement or to discuss next steps based on the diagnostic images obtained.

Why Choose Elledge Surgical for Arthroscopy?

Dr Elledge uses the Nexus CMF 1.9mm 30-degree arthroscope system. He has specifically attended training events run by the manufacturers in Salt Lake City, Utah USA and the Academy of Advanced TMJ Arthroscopy in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to bring the very latest concepts in minimally invasive surgery to Birmingham and the West Midlands region.

Contact us today to find out more about arthroscopy and arthroscopic surgery

You can use the enquiry form button below to get in touch with Elledge Surgical if you have any questions on TMJ arthroscopy.