Arthroscopy Procedure... is that safe? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

JanisYang · 08-21-2003, 06:51 AM

One of my fellow TMJ sufferers is considering getting an arthroscopy procedure on her TMJ. Is there anyone on this board whose symptoms have gotten worse because of that procedure? Janis

Cymy Sue · 08-21-2003, 07:10 AM

Janis,

To be perfectly honest, we do have many members who have had bad experiences with arthroscopy.

Please remember that most people who have had these procedures go well, would most likely not be involved in this forum.

We do have one member who has stayed to post about her success with this procedure. Hopefully she will see your post and give you the details.

I'm sure many others will respond with their experiences.
You can also use the "Search" option. Just type in arthroscopy and there are many past threads regarding this subject.

Take care,
Cymy Sue

cally22 · 08-21-2003, 06:50 PM

Dear janisYang,
This is cally22, I would be remiss if I would not tell you that I have had an arthroscopy before.(On my right tmj) It helped for abot 6-8 months and then my problems started coming back worse. I ended up having to have a menisectomy (discectomy)one week shy of a year of my arthroscopy surgery. Even the discectomy hasn't really "helped" that much because I still have problems and I still have pain.

I went through all this to tell you that the arthroscopy has been said to be fairly and relatively safe procedure as for a surgery in tmj. But let me forwarn you, just because they say this doesn't mean that it doesn't or can't cause damage. Or doesn't mean that it wil or ot won't work. I can't say how it will work for one person to the next. But, and this sia big but, I can say how it worked for me.....

Please really consider this carefully. and good luck with everything.. cally22.

Sharbear · 08-23-2003, 11:43 PM

If I were your friend I would not recomment it. I had one done way back in 1990. It was very painful and did nothing to help me only made matters worse. Just be honest.
Sharri

OHJELJ · 08-25-2003, 07:28 AM

I believe I'm the success story referred to by Cheryl.

Here's a brief synopsis:
1992 - Symtpoms began with dizziness and no opening
1993 - Following about seven different splints and treatments, had arthroscopy on both sides. Total success. Began to live life again.
1993-1994 - Had braces to correct the damage from wearing splints for two years.
2003 - Jan. Began to have major pain on left side. Saw a doctor. MRI said disks were out again on both sides.
2003 - March - Arthroscopy on both sides. Major adhesions and some scar tissue made it a difficult procedure, but was outpatient.
2003 - Present - Following five months of PT and wearing a bite plate at night, I have gone from a post surgical opening of 14mm to 42mm.

My problems are more muscular in nature and the experts feel that all of my TMJ problems were created by muscles torquing the disks out of place. I've learned how to control the clenching while awake and wear the splint at night to control while sleeping.

I'm now eating salads, pizza etc...for the rest of my life I will have to be conscious of this problem. It never goes completely away. However, I am living pain free on no medication besides the occasional advil. I would never have been without pain without having had the surgery.

I do not have to wear any splint except at night and am living my life again. I have no scars and no visible signs of surgery either.

As with any joint surgery, there are risks. But if you live within the restrictions and are content to cut your apples instead of biting like everyone else, life can be good. I have no damage to my disks either, which I think is different than many who post here.

I've said this so many times that I swear I'll never post again...but here goes. Everyone is different. Our symptoms differ and our bodies are different. Don't try to adopt someone else's treatment plan as your own. Please leave the diagnosis up to a physician that you trust. The advice here is just that. Advice. It's one person's story.

Best wishes,
Jennifer

[This message has been edited by OHJELJ (edited 08-25-2003).]