1992 Volume 4 Issue 3 Pages 403-416
In order to clarify the occurrence and location of intracapsular conditions, arthroscopic examination was performed on 54 joints of 39 patients with clinically diagnosed closed lock of the temporomandibular joint.
The results were as follows: synovitis was noted in 51 joints (94%). it was often observed not only on the posterior pouch (93%) but also on the anterior recess (73%) and in the medial capsule (70%). Adhesions existed in 42 joints (78%), predilected on the anterior recess (62%) compared to other sites (about 30%). They often formed wall-like and/or pleat-like areas on the anterior recess and lateral capsule, and formed pleat-like and/or band-like areas on the posteroir pouch and medial capsule. In about half of the joints with synovitis, the synovium was covered with a white thin membranous substance, which seemed to be associated with the formation of adhesive lesions. The articular eminence lacked in marked pathologic findings at the early stage of arthroscopy. However, in more than 80% of the joints, the surface of the eminence showed fibrillation of the fibrocartilage or exposure of the underlying bone during the arthroscopic examination. Perforation and or deformity of the disk was often observed, but fibrillation was not noted. Capillary was often observed on the articular eminence and fossa. In two patients without disk displacement, translation of the disk was limited by adhesive lesions in the joint.
