Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy has been used successfully for intra-articular disorders. Until now, limited studies are available regarding the clinical evidence of bilateral TMJ arthroscopy for Dimitroulis 2-3. This prospective study investigated the efficacy of TMJ arthroscopy in patients with bilateral disorders, and also the need for a posterior surgery.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy has been used successfully for intra-articular disorders. It was first introduced by Onishi at 1975, as a pioneering technique to treat painful joints and has been associated with a reduction in the number of open joints surgeries. This minimally invasive technique allows observation of the TMJ upper compartment tissues, and sometimes the lower compartment. Moreover, this intervention allows joint lysis and lavage (level 1 arthroscopy) and intra-articular surgical procedures (level 2-3 arthroscopy).

Recent studies updated that TMJ arthroscopy promotes a reduction in pain and inflammatory process and restoring the mandibular function with low morbidity. Moreover, TMJ arthroscopy seems to be also long-term effective for relieving TMJ symptoms. Until now, limited studies are available regarding the clinical evidence of bilateral TMJ arthroscopy for Dimitroulis 2-3. This prospective study investigated the efficacy of TMJ arthroscopy in patients with bilateral disorders, and also the need for a posterior surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age >16 years;
• clinical diagnosis of bilateral intra-articular disorder;
• clinical criteria for bilateral TMJ arthroscopy;
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessing the intra-articular derangement

Exclusion Criteria:

• The exclusion criteria included any history of previous TMJ surgical intervention or any facial trauma within the last 4 weeks prior the study.
• Severe medical problems or mental illness, and pregnancy were also exclusion criteria