Long-term results of functional open surgery for the treatment of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint

We studied 20 consecutive patients with internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a median of 51 months after open operation on the joint and a rehabilitation programme. The design was a retrospective clinical study. The maximal opening and lateral active movements and the presence of clicking and joint pain were recorded preoperatively, after complete rehabilitation, and at the time of follow-up. Patients completed visual analogue scales of pain before operation and at the time of follow-up. Operation and postoperative rehabilitation reduced the variability of the opening and lateral movements, significantly increased maximal opening, and reduced clicking and pain.