Joseph P. McCain

Temporomandibular joint arthroscopy: A 6-year multicenter retrospective study of 4,831 joints

Four health outcomes (range of motion, pain, diet, and disability) were measured in six diagnostic categories (internal derangement with closed lock, internal derangement with painful click, osteoarthritis, hypermobility, fibrous ankylosis, and arthralgia) in a 6-year retrospective multicenter study of 4,831 temporomandibular joints having undergone arthroscopic surgery. After arthroscopic surgery, 91.6% of all patients had good or excellent motion; 91.3% had good or excellent pain reduction; 90.6% had good or excellent ability to maintain a normal diet; and 92% had a good or excellent reduction in disability. These health outcomes compare favorably with all other known treatments for these conditions. Also, the surgical technique was relatively free of complications (4.4%).

Arthroscopy of the human temporomandibular joint

Diagnostic arthroscopy of the human temporomandibular joint was investigated on both fresh human cadavers and presurgical arthrotomy patients. It was possible to visualize all of the major anatomic structures in the superior joint space. Inferior joint space techniques were explored on cadavers but not perfected for clinical use. Closed arthroscopic surgical techniques were performed on the cadaver specimens using a variety of instruments such as probes, miniature biopsy forceps, and motorized soft tissue resection and bone abraiding devices.

Arthroscopic disc repositioning and suturing: A preliminary report

Eight patients (11 joints) underwent arthroscopic disc repositioning and suturing. Disc displacement was established by physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and diagnostic arthroscopy. Postoperative MRIs were taken at varying intervals between 1 day and 6 months. In all 11 joints, either partial improvement or normal disc position was observed arthroscopically. In 9 of the 11 joints, either partial improvement or normal position was observed on the postoperative MRIs. It is concluded that posterior disc repositioning and suturing is an achievable goal of temporomandibular joint arthroscopy.

Arthroscopic observation and treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint. Report of a case and review of the literature

Synovial chondromatosis of the TMJ is a rare disorder of unknown etiology that may be neoplastic or hyperplastic in nature. A histopathologically confirmed case, the first to be identified and treated by arthroscopy, is presented. Removal of the affected synovial tissue and of loose particles was accomplished arthroscopically, a relatively non-invasive alternative to open arthrotomy.

Interventional Sialoendoscopy: Early Clinical Results

PURPOSE Sialoendoscopy is a novel minimally invasive technique to explore the salivary duct system and to treat obstructive salivary disease. This article describes the early clinical experience with endoscopic salivary duct exploration and sialolithectomy in 2 medical centers. PATIENTS AND METHODS This is a retrospective case series of 94 patients, with submandibular (n = 77) or parotid (n = 17) sialadenitis secondary to sialolithiasis, strictures, or mucous plugs. Patients underwent sialoendoscopy at Baptist Hospital, Miami (n = 52) or at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (n = 42). Dilatation of the duct through the natural orifice was accomplished with salivary dilators. Three endoscope systems with diameters from 1.1 to 2.3 mm were used. Using a basket, grasper, lithotripsy, laser, or a combination of these, stones were fragmented or removed endoscopically. Strictures were dilated and mucous plugs removed. All cases were carried out under general anesthesia. RESULTS Salivary duct navigation was accomplished in 91/94 patients. In 3 cases, duct dilatation was not possible due to scarring. Symptomatic relief was achieved in 81/91 patients (89.4%). Strictures and mucous plugs were visualized and managed in 18/18 patients. Sialoliths were visualized in 73 patients and stone fragmentation or retrieval was accomplished in 84.93% (62/73) of cases. Complications included 2 patients with temporary lingual nerve paresthesia and 1 patient with excess extravasation of irrigation fluid. CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate that interventional sialoendoscopy is an effective, minimally invasive alternative treatment for obstructive salivary gland disease.

Preliminary studies on the use of a viscoelastic solution in arthroscopic surgery of the temporomandibular joint

Arthroscopic surgery of the temporomandibular joint includes the potential for iatrogenic damage of intracapsular structures during introduction of instruments and manipulation of the tissues. A modification of an elastoviscous solution of crosslinked sodium hyaluronate, called hylan fluid, was used for irrigation during surgery in 55 temporomandibular joints. Forty-nine of the joints were monitored postoperatively in a study to measure safety and efficacy of the material during the arthroscopic procedure. The hylan fluid was found to be as safe as the standard irrigating fluid. The hylan fluid also significantly protected the joint surfaces and facilitated the surgical procedure.

Advanced Arthroscopy of the Temporomandibular Joint

Advanced operative arthroscopic procedures are indicated for disabling joint conditions refractory to medical management and primary arthroscopy alone and that require internal structural modifications of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Examples include internal derangements, hypomobility secondary to adhesions, synovitis, degenerative joint disease, and hypermobility resulting in painful subluxation or dislocation.

Foreign body retrieval: A complication of TMJ arthroscopy report of a case

Abstract Complications in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy have been reported by several authors, 1–7 and concepts on the retrieval of broken instruments have been presented by McCain, Davis and Kamanishi. 8 However, cases of broken instruments occurring during TMJ arthroscopic surgery have not been reported. In the orthopedic field, Johnson 9 and McGinty and Mapza 10 have established a protocol for broken instrument retrieval. In this report, a case in which a dislodged catheter was removed from the TMJ is described, and modifications of a technique for arthroscopic retrieval maneuvers in the temporomandibular joint are presented.

Conservative treatment of a pathologic fracture in a patient with Gorham-Stout disease.

Gorham-Stout disease, or massive osteolysis, is an extremely rare idiopathic condition characterized by spontaneous, localized relentless resorption of one or several contiguous bones. There is no known successful treatment. Autologous bone graft also resorbs. It is a condition with difficult diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. We report an extreme case of massive osteolysis of the maxillofacial complex. Unique to this case is that the patient presented with a mandibular fracture, and was taking alendronate (Fosamax), one of the treatment options for patients with Gorham-Stout disease. We discuss our treatment and add to the growing list of patients who have presented with this devastating disease.

Endoscopic Techniques in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is entering a new era. Surgeons can use the latest technological advances in equipment in an attempt to improve patient outcomes. Minimally invasive surgery with the use of the endoscope has improved in recent years because of technological advancements in optics and associated instrumentation. Trauma, orthognathic, sialoendoscopy, and temporomandibular joint surgery are commonly performed with the assistance of the endoscope. From an educational standpoint, surgical anatomy and various other principles can easily be taught to trainees with the assistance of the endoscope. The operating surgeon can visualize an area via the endoscope, and instruct regarding the surgical maneuvers on the monitor, without obstructions to view. This technique also allows others in and out of the room to view the image. Endoscopically assisted surgery is gaining popularity and is becoming a tool frequently used by surgeons to assist in and simplify some of the more difficult techniques that often require more extensive surgical exposure for visualization.