Diseases of the temporomandibular joint are a common problem in daily practice. The cause of these diseases is frequently a change in the position of the articular disk, partial or complete destruction of the disk, or a change of the articular surfaces. Systemic diseases of the joints (such as rheumatism) also lead to complaints relating to the temporomandibular joints. Diseases of the temporomandibular joints are usually treated conservatively, e.g., by means of splint therapy, physiotherapy, and/or supporting drug therapy.
When conservative therapy does not lead to the desired results and, based on radiological and clinical findings, surgery appears promising, a specific surgical treatment will be recommended based on the diagnosis. Our range of surgical procedures includes temporomandibular joint irrigation and endoscopy as well as open temporomandibular joint surgeries and temporomandibular joint replacement.
Our clinic also treats temporomandibular joint tumors. Usually, the temporomandibular joint is surgically removed and reconstructed with an artificial temporomandibular joint or a microsurgical bone transplant taken from the patient’s own body, e.g., the lower leg. In addition, surgical treatment of stiffened temporomandibular joints, e.g., in children after a fracture in the area of the temporomandibular joint, is another one of our focus areas.
Following an outpatient appointment or submission of medical findings, photos, and, if available, radiological images (CT or MRI), the necessity of surgery is discussed. For temporomandibular joint endoscopy, patients usually remain hospitalized for 2-4 days. After open temporomandibular joint surgery, patients stay at the hospital for approximately 1 week; after complex temporomandibular joint replacement surgery, patients stay for 10-14 days.
Please direct your treatment request to the UKE International Office.