Open Joint Surgery, Arthroscopy and Joint Prostheses: When is it necessary?

Joint health is extremely important not only for our daily comfort but also for the sustainability of our quality of life. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders have become more common due to the stressful nature of modern life. Many patients are able to find relief through non-surgical methods such as medication, arthrocentesis, injections, and physical therapy. However, in some cases, advanced surgical techniques such as open joint surgery may be required.

In this article, we provide detailed answers to all questions about advanced joint treatments – open surgery, arthroscopy, and prosthesis applications – performed at Dr. Dt. Faylim Tansu Uzel’s clinic.

Stages of Joint Diseases and the Path to Surgery

Temporomandibular joint disorders typically follow a slow progression. During this process, patients often present with complaints such as pain, limited movement, jaw locking, and clicking sounds. Although conservative approaches are preferred initially, some disorders may progress over time and require surgical intervention.

The main pathologies leading to surgery:

• Chronic disc displacement and perforations
• Severe cartilage loss and bone deformation
• Intra-articular tumours, adhesions, or cyst formation
• Post-traumatic structural abnormalities

These conditions not only cause pain but may also result in functional impairment, necessitating advanced surgical evaluation.

Arthroscopy: The Power of a Minimally Invasive Approach

Arthroscopy is a modern technique that allows the joint to be viewed with a camera through small incisions in the jaw joint and, if necessary, surgical intervention to be performed. It offers significant advantages, particularly in diagnosis.

Advantages of Arthroscopy:

• Minimal tissue damage
• Shorter recovery time
• Direct removal of joint adhesions and inflammatory tissues
• Reduced hospital stay

Arthroscopy is typically preferred for patients where arthrocentesis has been unsuccessful but intervention is needed before progressing to open surgery.

When is Open Joint Surgery Necessary?

Open joint surgery is planned when minimal methods such as arthrocentesis and arthroscopy are insufficient or when there are advanced structural abnormalities in the joint. This method allows for extensive surgical repairs under direct visual control.

Main Indications for Open Surgery:

• Tearing or complete dislocation of the joint disc
• Advanced fibrosis (hardening) of the joint capsule
• Tumour formations or cystic structures
• Adhesions that cannot be reached by arthroscopic methods

This technique requires high surgical experience and detailed planning. At our clinic, such cases are carefully evaluated using advanced imaging and a multidisciplinary team.

Joint Prostheses: Permanent and Functional Solution

When the jaw joint suffers advanced cartilage destruction and loss of function, total joint prosthesis applications are used in cases where the natural structure cannot be restored.

What is a TMJ Prosthesis?

It is a surgical procedure that restores joint surfaces to a functional state by replacing them with artificial materials. Prostheses are made from biocompatible materials and are long-lasting.

When is a Prosthesis Necessary?

• Severe destruction and deformity of the TMJ
• Inability to restore joint function after traumatic loss
• Previous unsuccessful surgical attempts
• Advanced deformities due to rheumatoid arthritis or similar systemic diseases

These types of surgeries, planned under the leadership of Dr. Dt. Faylim Tansu Uzel, are prepared with measurements and designs specific to the patient. This ensures the best results in terms of both aesthetics and function.

Considerations in the Surgical Decision-Making Process

Every surgical decision should be based not only on imaging findings but also on the patient’s quality of life, duration of symptoms, age, and expectations.

Factors Considered:

• Imaging methods such as MRI and CT
• Severity and duration of clinical symptoms
• The patient’s systemic health status
• Dental occlusion and functional analyses

At our clinic, each patient is evaluated based on an individual risk-benefit analysis before proceeding with surgery. A second opinion may be recommended if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will I need another surgery after arthroscopy?

If there is significant structural damage, arthroscopy may be a temporary solution. In such cases, further surgery may be planned.

How long does a jaw prosthesis last?

Depending on the materials used, it can function for 15–20 years or longer.

How long does it take to recover after open joint surgery?

Generally, a recovery period of 4–6 weeks is expected. This period may be longer in cases involving prosthesis applications.

Surgical Intervention Is Not the End, but a New Beginning

Jaw joint diseases can be controlled with early diagnosis. However, in some cases, surgical intervention becomes inevitable. Open joint surgery, arthroscopy, and prosthesis applications, when performed at the right time and by experts, significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.

At our clinic, managed by Dr. Dt. Faylim Tansu Uzel, we provide each patient with a personalised diagnosis and treatment plan so that you can take confident steps towards a healthy future instead of fearing surgery.

For more information and appointments, please click here.

Contact us for an expert evaluation and let’s determine the most suitable solution for your jaw joint health together.

You can view some of the procedures performed at our clinic on our Instagram account.