Early management of anterior disc displacement without reduction: Evaluating the effectiveness of modified arthroscopy discopexy with anterior disc repositioning splint

Background: This study aims to assess the therapeutic efficacy of a modified arthroscopy discopexy suturing technique in combination with an anterior disc repositioning splint (ARS) for the treatment of early phase anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR) patients.

Methods: During 2021-2022, early phase ADDwoR cases were included and underwent modified arthroscopy discopexy suturing surgery and ARS therapy after surgery. Pre- and post-surgical evaluation parameters include the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, maximum mouth opening (MMO), and disc-condyle relationship on MRI. Patients were followed up for a period of 6 months after surgery. Statistical significance was considered when p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 31 unilateral early phase ADDwoR cases were included, with an average age of 26.97. The VAS scores of pain decreased from 4.87 to 1.61, while MMO increased from 23.13 mm to 39.35 mm(p < 0.05). MRI evaluations at 1 month and 6 months post-surgical revealed a disc reduction rate of 93.55% and 90.32%, respectively.

Conclusion: The modified arthroscopy discopexy suturing technique combined with ARS therapy after surgery proves to be an effective, minimally invasive and simplified approach for the treatment of early phase ADDwoR patients.