Clinical and demographic factors associated with the effectiveness of temporomandibular joint arthroscopy

PURPOSE

High success rates and minimal complications have consolidated arthroscopy as the therapeutic alternative of choice for minimally invasive treatment of internal disorders (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). However, there is no certainty regarding the demographic and clinical factors associated with the technique's success or failure. This study was performed to analyze the effectiveness of arthroscopy regarding pain and the mandibular dynamics and also to determine whether variables such as age, sex, and preoperative Wilkes stage influence the results.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted involving 92 patients with ID of the TMJ between September 2017 and February 2020. In all cases, a first stage of intra-articular lysis and lavage was executed. As needed, a phase of operative arthroscopy or arthroscopic discopexy was implemented.

RESULTS

A total of 152 arthroscopies were performed. Both the variation in pain and mouth opening in patients with ID of the TMJ treated were statistically significant for the follow-up periods studied. Better results were observed for patients with lower Wilkes stages. No association with age was found.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results, we recommend early intervention as soon as an ID in the TMJ is detected.

Desmoplastic Fibroma of the Mandible in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report of Resection and Reconstruction With A Six-Year Follow-Up

Desmoplastic fibroma (DF) of bone is considered a benign but locally aggressive tumor of fibroblastic origin. DF is rare, representing less than 1% of all bone tumors. Approximately 84% of patients are younger than 30 years. DF has a slow but aggressive growth potential and can recur locally when it has not been completely excised. Complete resection is the treatment of choice to decrease recurrence and morbidity. Mandibular reconstruction is mandatory in pediatric patients to ensure correct craniofacial development. The present report describes the case of a pediatric patient with mandibular DF in whom complete resection and immediate reconstruction with a fibula flap proved a satisfactory treatment option, with low morbidity and excellent esthetic and functional results at 6-year follow-up.

Spontaneous remission of eosinophilic granuloma of the maxilla after incisional biopsy: a case report

Background

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), previously known as Histiocytosis X, is an infrequent disease that congregates a wide spectrum of clinical presentations with variable systemic involvement. Unification of these diseases under only one category is based on the almost identical histopathologic features of the lesions, but the etiology and proper approach for each presentation remains controversial. The localized alternative of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LLCH), known as Eosinophilic Granuloma (EG) of bone, is the predominant clinical presentation of LCH. The maxilla is involved in 1 % of the head and neck region cases, representing an uncommon condition in this area.

Case Presentation

In this clinical case report, it is described a case of a 16-year-old male patient with an asymptomatic osteolytic lesion at first upper left molar apical level, a finding detected on control radiographic images was reported as “Monostotic Eosinophilic granuloma of the maxillary bone”, which was later confirmed through an incisional biopsy. A surgical excision was initially planned, but finally it was not performed due to a spontaneous healing of the lesion after the incisional biopsy.

Conclusions

The presented case supports a conservative approach in the management of solitary EG of maxillary and mandibular bone lesions and even supports an expectant attitude in the course of treatment given the possibility of a spontaneous regression after the biopsy, especially in small lesions.