Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2019 | Temporomandibular Joint Surgery | Methodology
Template-based temporomandibular joint puncturing and access in minimally invasive TMJ surgery (MITMJS) – a technical note and first clinical results
Published in: Head & Face Medicine | Issue 1/2019
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Background
Minimally invasive temporomandibular joint surgery (MITMJS) is an option for patients suffering from severe internal derangement or adhesions. To improve TMJ access, a workflow to create surgical templates is introduced.
Methods
A workflow to generate a dividable patient specific template based on CBCT and optical scanning to access the joint is introduced. In a first clinical trial 3 patients (6 joints) were treated by way of template-guided endoscopically-assisted TMJ therapy (3 arthrocenteses and 3 arthroscopies).
Results
Generation and clinical use of the templates was as planned. All templates showed perfect fit and permitted instant access to the TMJ. All surgeries were performed without complications.
Conclusions
Template-guidance could improve the feasibility of endoscopically-assisted TMJ therapy. An important issue is the capability to dis- and remount the template during surgery. Using in-house production, costs are affordable.
Trial registration
This study was registered at the Ethic Committee of the Berlin Medical Chamber (Eth-30/17, 12/06/2017).