Evaluation of temporomandibular joint disc-repositioning surgery with Mitek mini anchors

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate outcome of Mitek mini anchors (DePuy Mitek, Raynham, MA) in TMJ discopexy and assess patient satisfaction based on MRI findings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 7 patients suffered from significant pain and dysfunction diagnosed on MRI findings as anterior disc displacement without reduction selected for this study. Anchor stability, assessment of positional changes and roofing were evaluated by postop MRI and OPTGs. Satisfaction was assessed with VAS. Preop and postop maximum interincisal opening measurements were compared. RESULTS: There was significant difference between preop and posto P values of MIO and VAS. All 7 patients noted complete absence of pain at the postop 1-year follow-up. Only 1 patient had postop clicking but showed remarkable improvement of jaw functions (MIO). The articular disk was observed at its normal position in 6 patients except one patient whom MRI confirmed postop partial roofing. OPTGs reveal neither radiologic changes around the mini anchors in the condylar head nor any positional shifts. CONCLUSION: Disc repositioning with Mitek mini anchors represent improvement in post-op VAS scores and clinical findings (MIO) based on comparison preop and postop MRI scans and panoramic films. However, our study group consists of limited number of patients, further studies with more number of cases are required to evaluate the outcomes