A Case of Remarkable Bony Deformity after the Arthroscopic Lysis and Lavage Surgery of the TMJ

Abstract

A case of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder demonstrated a remarkable osseous deformity 6 months after arthroscopic lysis and lavage surgery. The patient was a 39-year-old female who complained of pain in the bilateral TMJ and restriction of mouth opening. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings showed bilateral joint effusions and anterior displacement of the disc without reduction. Arthrography of the TMJ showed extensive adhesion of the right upper joint cavity.
Six months postoperatively, MR images showed a low signal intensity in the right condyle head. However, there was no distinct osseous deformity on plain radiograph at that time. CT examination performed 8 months postoperatively, demonstrated remarkable bony deformity and a pseudocyst-like lesion. MR imaging findings might be useful to predict subsequent degenerative osseous changes.