Arthrocentesis
The arthrocentesis is an in-office or outpatient procedure. It is usually the first surgery a patient has, but can also be done diagnostically further down the road for patients who are waiting on other procedures.
When you first are taken back to the operating room, they will start an IV and give you medicine to sedate you. This is what some people call “twilight sedation” or “IV sedation.”
First, the joint is numbed, and then is flushed with a sterile saline solution. Sometimes steroids and or anti-inflammatory medications are injected as well. The purpose of this procedure is to lubricate the joint, reduce inflammation, and/or increase function. Sometimes the surgeon will gently manipulate the jaw to loosen scar tissue that has formed. Some surgeons claim that discs can be recaptured with an arthrocentesis, however, I have yet to meet a patient who has had this done successfully.
When you get home (a few hours after the procedure), your joint and the surrounding area will be numb. If your doctor has given you medication, this would be the optimum time to take it, as the pain will begin when the numbing medication wears off. You might have numbness and swelling for a couple days, however, most people are back at work after one to three days. This procedure has virtually no recovery times and no limits on activity. You will be told to maintain a soft diet for a little while, but chances are, you are already on one.
The surgery is not expensive compared to other surgeries (if insurance is not covering your procedure, fees will vary based on geographical region and the surgeon used). It is done in the office and has a relatively easy recovery, and many people see these qualities as advantages. The surgeon can not visualize the joint as in other surgeries such as an arthroscopy or arthroplasty and recapturing the disc is unlikely, so please make sure your expectations regarding this procedure (or any other TMJ surgery) are realistic.
If you have more questions or would like to speak with patients who have had this procedure, please visit our message boards.
