Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are common conditions and internal derangement is the most common among them. Different methods have been suggested for treatment , beginning with conservative approaches ending with surgery. Nowadays, arthrocentesis and arthroscopy have decreased the need of the more complex surgical procedures. Despite such advancements, there is deficiency in the literature regarding prospective, randomized, clinical studies supporting either both of them. In doing the necessary studies, and comparing the results, it will be essential to develop a standardized criteria for patient selection and treatment options that can be used by all investigators.
Objectives: To compare between arthrocentesis and operative arthroscopy in the management of patients with internal derangement of temporomandibular joint stage II and III Wilkes.
Materials and Methods: a prospective study was done on 40 patients with temporomandibular joint internal derangement and were divided into 2 groups, 20 patients were treated with arthrocentesis and 20 patients were treated with operative arthroscopy.
Results: The pain score was significantly lower in operative arthroscopy. The mouth opening was significantly higher in the operative arthroscopy.
Conclusions: Operative arthroscopy is better than arthrocentesis as regards the postoperative pain and mouth opening.