Dr Piper? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

MJ ~ TMJ · 11-26-2003, 07:51 PM

I there! This is my first post, but I've been reading this board for a while. I've read a lot and I just don't know what to do!

I just saw Dr. Piper for two days of test including CatScan and MRI. I have seen the images and he has explained what he wants to do. It all makes sence to me. Here's the bad part . . . he wants to do Arthroplasty, Meniscectomy, and Fat Grafts. From what I read here, I'm not sure this is a good idea.

Anyone else see Dr. Piper? Good results? Bad results?

Any suggestions?

Any ideas who to see for a second opinion?

TIA!!

DianeTMJ · 11-26-2003, 08:33 PM

Hi Tia

Welcome to the board!
I have bumped up some previous topcis about surgery for you to read.

I have not had surgery, so I am not experienced nor knowledgable enough. There are many here who can discuss surgery though.

The one thing I do know about surgery on the TMJ's is that they are typically not successful and only cause further pain and problems. There was a post, that I will try and find about an article written all the way back in 1958 in the American medical journal, that surgery on the joints should not take place until there has been trauma to the joint/joints, ie car accident, etc etc.

I wish you luck, there are lots of wonderful people on this board that can help you better with your questions. Just Ask, Ask, Ask. Ask the surgeon to speak with a minimum of 6 patients, successful and not successful, AND for those that are POST surgery by at least 6 years.
Take care
Diane TMJ

DianeTMJ · 11-26-2003, 08:44 PM

Hello again Tia -
I bumped up a couple of other ones too for you to read through.
Take care
Diane TMJ

mdla · 11-26-2003, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ ~ TMJ

I there! This is my first post, but I've been reading this board for a while. I've read a lot and I just don't know what to do!

I just saw Dr. Piper for two days of test including CatScan and MRI. I have seen the images and he has explained what he wants to do. It all makes sence to me. Here's the bad part . . . he wants to do Arthroplasty, Meniscectomy, and Fat Grafts. From what I read here, I'm not sure this is a good idea.

Anyone else see Dr. Piper? Good results? Bad results?

Any suggestions?

Any ideas who to see for a second opinion?

TIA!!

Here is my question, *exactly* what did the MRI & Cat scan show that prompts him to think you need a drastic surgery. Also, I would ask to talk with former patients of his. Did he mention that TMJ surgeries have a high failure rate? That bit of info should come from him, not just us.

MJ ~ TMJ · 11-27-2003, 09:33 AM

Thanks for the quick replies!

I'm out of town for a few days and will post more details when I return.

Thanks again!