Efficiency of arthroscopic lysis and lavage for internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint correlated with Wilkes classification

ObjectivesTo compare the outcome of arthroscopic lysis and lavage of TMJ with internal derangement of Wilkes stages II, III, IV, and V.Study designArthroscopic lysis and lavage was performed in 45 TMJ of 39 patients with internal derangement. The cases were divided into 4 groups corresponding to Wilkes stages II, III, IV, and V. Two parameters were compared pre- and postoperatively: pain and mouth opening. Statistical significance was determined using the χ2 test.ResultsOverall success rate was 86.7% (Wilkes stage II 90.9%, Wilkes stage III 92.3%, Wilkes stage IV 84.6%, Wilkes stage V 75%). There were no statistically significant differences between the success rates for Wilkes stages II, III, IV, and V.ConclusionArthroscopic lysis and lavage should be performed as a standard operation for internal derangement of the TMJ after failure of conservative treatment in all Wilkes stages.