Arthroscopic surgery - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Isew4work · 01-21-2003, 08:31 PM

Hi,
I am new here. I feel like I have very small tmj problems after reading all of your threads on your serious conditions. I have a question for you who have been around this block a few too many times. I went to a tmj specialist 2.5 years ago after my regular dentist suggested I do so. I had a night gaurd made and went through pt for 8 weeks or so. I was feeling really good and the headaches had gone away. Then while eating popcorn my jaw locked up on me. IT was not too tragic and seemed to go back on it own after about 5-10 minutes. It happened just like that a few more times, no big deal really. I told my tmj specialist and he advised me to see an oral surgeon. I had arthocentesis done in November. My TMJ specialist (dds) and my oral surgeon both agree at using very non invasive treatments. The arthocentesis is an office procedure where they give you a general and flush the joints out with saline fluid to loosen any cartilege and let it be absorbed into your body. I recovered a bit rougher than I expected and had to go through another round of pt. Well after about 4 weeks of recover I noticed that my jaw was locking up very mildly, but much more often than before. I also noted that my popping hurt much worse than ever before. After waiting 8 weeks I told my specialist about the new symptoms. He has sent me back to the oral surgeon and they both agree that I now need Arthroscopic surgery to remove scar tissue and repair the area. I asked my surgeon if what he would do if the disk is perforated and he said he will try to repair it with the laser but that disk replacement is just too controversial and there are no suitable disks at this time.

Sorry to make this so long for you to read, but here is my question finally. Does it sound to you that I should have the arthroscopic surgery to relieve my fairly mild symptoms compared to most of you, or should I continue with my splint at night and just live with the mild lock ups and daily muscle tiredness and achiness? Are there any bad experiences with the laser surgery that I should know about while considering this? Does it sound to you like my Dr's are both fair in being non aggressive? They have both said to me to never let anyone do an open surgery on me, the results are just not good enough to chance it. Please tell me your experience in this matter. Thanks so much, I hope you all find some relief.

Mary Z.

Marlene · 01-21-2003, 08:49 PM

Hi Mary Z, & Welcome!

Please don't take this the wrong way, but, I think that even an arthrocentesis could be considered invasive/aggressive treatment - since they did actually "invade" the joints. I'm sure Elaine will pick up on this thread - she's the one who can tell you that one surgery leads to another ... and another ... and another. I would suggest perhaps seeking out someone else who is qualified in the treatment of TMJ - and has the credentials to back it up - that treats the condition "conservatively".

Marlene

Cymy Sue · 01-22-2003, 03:33 AM

Mary,
Marlene is right about the arthocentesis being an invasive procedure. Some Doctors speak of it as being minor, but anytime the joint is invaded, it is aggressive treatment. If you had increased pain and scarring from a "rinse out", you will possibly have more with the Arthroscopic Procedure.

I have had 2 Arthoplasties and that's supposed to be the most invasive. From what I read from members who have had Arthroscopies, the end result can be the same. (The only difference being the size of the scars.) Everytime your joint is invaded, there will be further scarring, possible nerve damage, worsening of ear problems and muscle problems.

I don't understand the fact that your Doctor is not sure about disc damage. In 1992, my Surgeon looked at my MRI and knew exactly what kind of disc damage I had.
He knew before he went in, that the disc had to come out. I know in 10 years, there has to be advancements in reading those films and knowing what to expect.
I may be wrong, but that sounds a little vague to me.

His statement regarding "nothing works for replacement is correct." So what does he intend to do? Is he going to remove the disc if it's not repairable?
HAS HE TOLD YOU WHAT TO EXPECT IN REGARD TO LIVING WITHOUT DISC? (If you're interested, I can tell you.)

If your symtoms are not unbearable, I would certainly rethink having any more procedures done. I would try every non-invasive treatment possible.

In most cases, everytime your joints are "worked on", you develope more problems.

I have had 2 Sagittal Splits (jaw breaks) and 2 Arthroplasties both sides. I have no disc. I am 50 years old, and in good health otherwise. They will not do any further surgeries for me, not even a "rinse out". They say I have too much scarring to get the scope in, too much nerve damage and too many other problems, created from the previous surgeries for any surgical procedure to work.

Please consider carefully the route you are about to take. I believe Elaine wrote in a post recently "That she wished she could just go back to the regular old TMJ problems." I do too.

Cymy Sue

Autumn Angel · 01-22-2003, 07:18 AM

I too am facing an arthroscopy soon and I am thinking more and more about just leaving it be. Its a constant battle in my head to do it or not to do it. My 12 yr old does not want me to have the jaw alignment surgery at all I guess the thought of mommys jaw being broken even though I will be asleep scares her. Scares me too. My doc told me as a result of my arthroscopy I might lose the ability to raise my eyebrows for a few months and in some cases its perminant. Has anyone had this problem afterwards? I thought my bite was bad the doc acted like 24 was awful and then I read Elaine's post and shes just a 10?? That woman has strength thats forsure because I know how awful I feel not being able to eat subs and Big Macs. Cymy Sue you and Elaine have been so much help to me I just wanted to thank you both again for taking the time to warn and educate others on this long suffering and under researched disorder.

------------------
Cheers...Autumn
Female...42
TMJD...12 years
Anxiety/Panic Attacks (cured I hope)
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy due to endometrial bleeding after miscarriage (2002)
Hernia Repair(1998)
Apendectomy (infected) 1988
21 year old daughter born with Mullerian Aplasia
18 year old daughter bulimia survivor.
If I can help ANYONE with anything from a papercut to a life threatening illness, I will do my best just to be a friend. " A friend is someone who knows all your faults and loves you anyway".

justanotherday · 01-22-2003, 09:23 AM

how was your mouth opening before you had the arthrocentesis done? that procedure is only supposed to be used on people with severe limited opening. Your doctor really made a big blunder if you had a normal opening before it and he still went ahead and did it.