Objective: The study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of standard arthroscopic lysis and lavage for internal derangement with various stages of Wilkes classification and subsequent success rates.

Patients and methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for a total of 67 patients (92 joints) who underwent arthroscopic lysis and lavage for internal derangement of temporomandibular joints during a period of 2007–2009. These joints were classified according to Wilkes staging (II–V) based on preoperative clinical and radiographic evaluation, and also arthroscopic findings. The scores for preoperative maximal interincisal opening (MIO), and visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain before arthroscopy and after arthroscopy.

Results: The overall success rate following arthroscopy for all Wilkes stages was 76.11% (Wilkes stage II 77.4%, Wilkes stage III 89.4%, Wilkes stage IV 50.0%, Wilkes stage V 66.6%). The success rates were lower for patients with advanced stages than for those of stages II and III. Arthroscopic treatment failures were found in all Wilkes stages.

Conclusion: Arthroscopic lysis and lavage for the treatment of TMJ disorders offers favorable long-term stable results with regard to increasing maximal interincisal opening and reduced pain and dysfunction. TMJ Arthroscopy should be a preferred treatment for different stages of internal derangement and as a useful diagnostic and therapeutic adjunct, which can be used repeatedly with low morbidity.

Conflict of interest: None declared.