SURGICAL TREATMENTS FOR TMD: MINIMALLY INVASIVE DISCOPEXY VS. OPEN APPROACH

Abstract

This article aimed to compare minimally invasive arthroscopic discopexy and open surgery in the treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), analyzing their indications, advantages, limitations, and clinical outcomes. The methodology consisted of a bibliographic review of scientific literature, focusing on studies related to different surgical approaches to the temporomandibular joint. The findings demonstrated that arthroscopic discopexy offers benefits related to pain reduction, improved mandibular function, lower morbidity, and faster recovery. On the other hand, open surgery allows greater visualization and manipulation of joint structures and is mainly indicated in complex cases or when less invasive treatments fail to provide satisfactory results. It was also observed that methodological differences among studies make direct comparisons between techniques and the determination of clinical superiority difficult. It was concluded that both approaches have specific indications and may provide favorable outcomes when appropriately selected. Therefore, the choice of procedure should be individualized, considering the severity of the disorder, the patient's clinical condition, and the available scientific evidence.