Arthroscopic assisted release of lateral pterygoid versus scarification of retrodiscal tissue in management of internal derangement of temporomandibular joint-A randomized clinical trial.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of arthroscopic-assisted lateral pterygoid muscle release versus scarification of retrodiscal tissues in the treatment of temporomandibular joint internal derangement. A prospective, comparative, randomized clinical trial involved 16 patients with TMJ internal derangement. Arthroscopic assisted release of lateral pterygoid muscle was assigned to one group of patients (Group I). Group II patients received arthroscopic assisted scarification of retrodiscal tissues. Data collected through functional examination including visual analogue scale (VAS), maximum mouth opening, lateral excursion, and clicking sound immediately and after 3, 6, and 12 months. Pre- and post-operative MRI was used to assess disc position. The VAS scores decreased in both groups at the end of the follow-up period (0.45 vs 6.75, and 1.13 vs 6.50 in group I and II respectively; P<0.001). The maximum mouth opening improved to 32.9.50 ± 1.69 mm in group I, and 30.49 ± 0.93 in group II (P<0.001). Lateral excursion improved in both groups (P<0.001). Clicking sounds disappeared in all patients. Within the limitations of the study, it seems that arthroscopic assisted release of lateral pterygoid and scarification of retrodiscal tissues may be beneficial in management of anteriorly displaced discs that don't respond to conservative treatments.

Contralateral retrodiscal transforaminal approach for percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis: A technical description and retrospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: Retrodiscal transforaminal (RdTF) epidural steroid injection (ESI) is clinically comparable to conventional transforaminal ESI and can avoid catastrophic complications. However, it poses a risk of inadvertent intradiscal, intravascular, and intrathecal injections. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis (PEA) using the contralateral (Contra)-RdTF approach. METHODS: The electronic medical records of 332 patients with unilateral lumbar radiculopathy due to foraminal disk pathology were reviewed. Patients were categorized into two groups: Group A (ESI using the RdTF approach) and Group B (PEA using the Contra-RdTF approach). Effective pain relief (EPR; ≥50% pain relief from baseline) in patients was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) at 4 and 12 weeks after the procedure. The presence of unintended fluoroscopic findings and complications was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients were enrolled in the final analysis: 81 in Group A and 38 in Group B. Both groups showed lesser VAS scores after 4 and 12 weeks than at baseline (p < 0.05). However, the proportion of patients with EPR was significantly greater in Group B after 12 weeks (p = 0.015). No complications, including intrathecal injection, infectious discitis, and neurologic deterioration, were reported. However, inadvertent intradiscal and intravascular injections were reported to be significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (14.8% and 0%, respectively; p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Although applications of this study are limited by its retrospective design, the results suggest that PEA using the Contra-RdTF approach is feasible because it can achieve EPR and avoid unintended fluoroscopic findings.

Anatomical and histological components of the bilaminar zone of the temporomandibular joint: a narrative review / Componentes anatómicos e histológicos de la zona bilaminar de la articulación temporomandibular: una revisión narrativa

SUMMARY: One of the structures which contributes to the correct functioning of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the Articular Disc (AD). Viewed in sagittal section, the AD is divided into four zones, the last is the Bilaminar Zone (BZ). The BZ is essential for keeping the AD in its superior position and for retracting the AD to posterior in the maximum aperture position. Its composition and the disposition of its components is unclear. The object of this narrative review is to update concepts on the anatomy of the BZ, with its variations, histological components, vascularization and innervation. The following databases were reviewed: PUBMED, SCOPUS, EMBASE, WEB OF SCIENCE, SciELO and LILACS. Only studies in human beings without alterations to the TMJ, using dissection in cadavers or radiography in live subjects, were included. Systematic reviews, letters to the editor, technical articles and experimental or quasi-experimental studies in animals were excluded. This review included a total of 24 articles which corresponded to the proposed research object. Our results describe the morphology of the BZ, its anatomical relations and possible variations, its histological components, types of fibre and distribution percentages; the latter are discussed in the literature, but no consensus exists. This is not the case for the vascularization and innervation of the BZ; all authors analyzed agree on these points, with just one author adding two possible arteries that may play a part in irrigation. Furthermore, a large number of authors recognize the discomalleolar ligament and its close relation with the BZ.

RESUMEN: Una de las estructuras que contribuye al correcto funcionamiento de la Articulación Temporomandibular (ATM) es el Disco Articular (DA). Visto en sección sagital, el DA se divide en cuatro zonas, la última de las cuales es la Zona Bilaminar (BZ). El BZ es esencial para mantener el AD en su posición superior y para retraer el AD hacia atrás en la posición de máxima apertura. Su composición y disposición de sus componentes no está clara. El objetivo de esta revisión es actualizar conceptos sobre la anatomía del BZ, además de sus variaciones, componentes histológicos, vascularización e inervación. Se revisaron las siguientes bases de datos: PUBMED, SCOPUS, EMBASE, WEB OF SCIENCE, SciELO y LILACS. Se incluyeron estudios en seres humanos sin alteraciones de la ATM, utilizando disección en cadáveres o radiografía en sujetos vivos. Se excluyeron las revisiones sistemáticas, cartas al editor, artículos técnicos y estudios experimentales o cuasi-experimentales en animales. Esta revisión incluyó un total de 24 artículos que correspondían al objeto de investigación propuesto. Nuestros resultados describen la morfología del BZ, sus relaciones anatómicas y posibles variaciones, sus componentes histológicos, tipos de fibras y porcentajes de distribución; estos últimos se discuten en la literatura, pero no existe consenso. Este no es el caso de la vascularización e inervación del BZ; todos los autores analizados coinciden en estos aspectos, y solo un autor agrega dos posibles arterias que pueden tener un papel en la irrigación. Además, un gran número de autores reconocen el ligamento disco maleolar y su estrecha relación con el BZ.

Inadvertent Intradiscal Injection with TFESI Utilizing Kambin's Retrodiscal Approach in the Treatment of Acute Lumbar Radiculopathy.

INTRODUCTION: There is very strong evidence for the efficacy of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) in relieving lumbar radicular pain due to a herniated disk. However, case studies have documented paralysis as a potential complication from this approach as the artery of Adamkiewicz may traverse within the subpedicular "safe triangle." Kambin's retrodiscal approach has been postulated as a safe means to the transforaminal approach to avoid the artery of Adamkiewicz. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old woman presented with right-sided lumbar radicular pain at the L3-L4 and L4-L5 level secondary to a herniated disk. As conservative therapies failed to improve her radicular back pain, the patient opted to proceed with an epidural steroid injection. She subsequently underwent a right L3-L4 and L4-L5 transforaminal epidural steroid injection via Kambin's retrodiscal approach. Although anteroposterior and lateral views revealed optimal needle placement, live and postcontrast fluoroscopy revealed an unavoidable and inadvertent intradiscal spread. CONCLUSION: Kambin's approach is at the level of the intervertebral disk and may increase the incidence of intradiscal needle entry and injection.

The Incidence of Intradiscal, Intrathecal, and Intravascular Flow During the Performance of Retrodiscal (Infraneural) Approach for Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) are often used in the treatment of radicular pain. In light of safety concerns, many practitioners have proposed adopting the retrodiscal (infraneural) approach with the needle tip positioned into Kambin's triangle. With this technique, the needle may inadvertently be directed too far ventrally and enter the intervertebral disc. In addition, the risk of subarachnoid or subdural extra-arachnoid injection may be higher with this technique as well. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of inadvertent intradiscal, intrathecal, and vascular injections during the performance of retrodiscal TFESI. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review METHODS: Retrospective review of all retrodiscal approach TFESIs performed from July 2012 to August 2014 by two of the authors (DL and SH). RESULTS: A total of 257 retrodiscal transforaminal injections were performed. There were no neurologic complications. There were no cases of discitis. Inadvertent intradiscal injections occurred in 12/257 injections, 4.7% (95% CI 2.1-7.3%). Intrathecal injections occurred in 8/257 injections, 3.1% (95% CI 0.99- 5.23%). Three were subarachnoid (SA), four were subdural extra-arachnoid (SDXA), and one was both SA and SDXA. Vascular injections occurred in 17/257, 6.6% (95% CI 3.6-9.6%). CONCLUSION: This retrospective review demonstrates that a relatively high rate of inadvertent intradiscal injections occurs in the performance of the retrodiscal approach for TFESI. This has significant implications in terms of the potential risk of disc injury induced by the needle puncture. The high incidence of intrathecal injections may also be of great concern depending upon the injectate delivered.

Diagnosis of retrodiscal tissue in painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) signal intensity.

AIMS: The purpose of the present study is to analyze the fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) signal intensity of the retrodiscal tissue in a painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and to develop a diagnostic system based on FLAIR data. METHODOLOGY: The study was based on 33 joints of 17 patients referred for MR imaging of the TMJ. Regions of interest were placed over retrodiscal tissue and gray matter (GM) on FLAIR images. Using signal intensities of GM as reference points, signal intensity ratios (SIR) of retrodiscal tissue were calculated. SIRs in painful TMJ were compared with those in painless TMJ. Wilcoxon's Rank Sum Test was used to analyze the difference in SIRs between the painful and painless groups (P<0·05). RESULTS: The SIRs of retrodiscal tissue were significantly higher in painful joints than in painless joints. CONCLUSION: FLAIR sequences provide a high signal in patients having painful TMJ, and it suggests that retrodiscal tissue in painful TMJ contains elements such as protein.

Two cases of posterior open bite caused by the thickness of retrodiscal tissue in the temporomandibular joint.

There have been few reports of mouth closing disturbances in the final phase of occlusion caused by the posterior thickness of the retrodiscal tissue. Two such cases are described here. The first was a 70-year-old female suffering from a painless mouth closing disturbance on the right side of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). She complained of a feeling like there was an air cushion. The second case was a 51-year-old male with a painless mouth closing disturbance on the left side of the TMJ. In both cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed enlargement of the posterior joint space on the affected side. The conditions of these two cases were improved by local injection of steroid preparations; however further additional treatments were required, including mandible traction in one case and dental prosthetics in the other. Consequently, we consider that the local injection of steroid preparations is useful as an initial treatment, while the use of local injection of steroid preparations alone is not sufficient for the treatment of posterior thickness of the retrodiscal tissue.

Contrast spreading patterns in retrodiscal transforaminal epidural steroid injection.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the contrast spreading patterns in the retrodiscal (RD) approach for transforaminal epidural steroid injections and their effect on pain reduction. METHOD: Patients with L5 radiculopathy who were scheduled to receive lumbar TF-EPB were consecutively included. We randomly divided them into the L4-5 RD and L5-S1 RD groups and administered 1 cc of contrast dye into epidural space. We observed the shape and the location of contrast dye on the anterior-posterior and lateral views. We injected 1 cc of 0.5% lidocaine mixed with 20 mg of triamcinolone, and checked the pain intensity before and two weeks after the procedure by using visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: In the L4-5 RD group (n=30), contrast spread over the L4 nerve root in 27 cases and the L4 and L5 nerve roots in 3 cases. In the L5-S1 RD group (n=33), contrast spread over the L5 nerve root in 20 cases, the S1 nerve root in 3 cases, and the L5 and the S1 nerve roots in 10 cases. The contrast spreading patterns could be divided into 4 patterns: the proximal root in 40 cases, the distal root in 19 cases, the anterior epidural space in 3 cases and an undefined pattern in 1 case. CONCLUSION: In RD lumbar TF-EPB, the contrast dye mostly went into the cephalic root and about 60% spread over the proximal nerve root. There was less pain reduction when the contrast dye spread over the distal nerve root.

Contrast Spreading Patterns in Retrodiscal Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

OBJECTIVE: To observe the contrast spreading patterns in the retrodiscal (RD) approach for transforaminal epidural steroid injections and their effect on pain reduction. METHOD: Patients with L5 radiculopathy who were scheduled to receive lumbar TF-EPB were consecutively included. We randomly divided them into the L4-5 RD and L5-S1 RD groups and administered 1 cc of contrast dye into epidural space. We observed the shape and the location of contrast dye on the anterior-posterior and lateral views. We injected 1 cc of 0.5% lidocaine mixed with 20 mg of triamcinolone, and checked the pain intensity before and two weeks after the procedure by using visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: In the L4-5 RD group (n=30), contrast spread over the L4 nerve root in 27 cases and the L4 and L5 nerve roots in 3 cases. In the L5-S1 RD group (n=33), contrast spread over the L5 nerve root in 20 cases, the S1 nerve root in 3 cases, and the L5 and the S1 nerve roots in 10 cases. The contrast spreading patterns could be divided into 4 patterns: the proximal root in 40 cases, the distal root in 19 cases, the anterior epidural space in 3 cases and an undefined pattern in 1 case. CONCLUSION: In RD lumbar TF-EPB, the contrast dye mostly went into the cephalic root and about 60% spread over the proximal nerve root. There was less pain reduction when the contrast dye spread over the distal nerve root.

Retrodiscal approach of lumbar epidural block.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the technical strengths and weaknesses between retrodiscal (RD) and conventional subpedicular (SP) approaches of transforaminal epidural block (TF-EPB). METHOD: Sixty-one patients with L5 radiculopathy who planned to undergo TF-EPB were consecutively enrolled as study subjects. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups. For the RD approach, the positioning of the patient and the C-arm were similar to that for lumbar discography. We compared the pattern of dye spreads, the frequency of complications during the procedures, and the effect of the pain block 2 weeks after the procedure between the two groups. RESULTS: For the RD group (n=24), the contrast dye diffused around the L5 and S1 nerve roots in 16 cases (67%), but it diffused around only the L5 root in 27 cases (73%) in the SP group (n=37) (p<0.05). Two weeks after the procedure, the visual analogue scale (VAS) decreased by the same amount in both groups (RD group: 3.1±1.6, SP group: 3.2±2.6). Symptoms of nerve root irritation occurred in 1 case of the RD group and in 10 cases of the SD group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The RD approach was as efficient as the SP approach for temporary diagnostic relief and offered considerable advantages, such as lower nerve root irritation possible lower risk of vascular injection. Thus, it could be a useful technique when a herniated disc segment is stuck or when the foraminal stenosis is severe.

Retrodiscal Approach of Lumbar Epidural Block

OBJECTIVE: To compare the technical strengths and weaknesses between retrodiscal (RD) and conventional subpedicular (SP) approaches of transforaminal epidural block (TF-EPB). METHOD: Sixty-one patients with L5 radiculopathy who planned to undergo TF-EPB were consecutively enrolled as study subjects. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups. For the RD approach, the positioning of the patient and the C-arm were similar to that for lumbar discography. We compared the pattern of dye spreads, the frequency of complications during the procedures, and the effect of the pain block 2 weeks after the procedure between the two groups. RESULTS: For the RD group (n=24), the contrast dye diffused around the L5 and S1 nerve roots in 16 cases (67%), but it diffused around only the L5 root in 27 cases (73%) in the SP group (n=37) (p<0.05). Two weeks after the procedure, the visual analogue scale (VAS) decreased by the same amount in both groups (RD group: 3.1+/-1.6, SP group: 3.2+/-2.6). Symptoms of nerve root irritation occurred in 1 case of the RD group and in 10 cases of the SD group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The RD approach was as efficient as the SP approach for temporary diagnostic relief and offered considerable advantages, such as lower nerve root irritation possible lower risk of vascular injection. Thus, it could be a useful technique when a herniated disc segment is stuck or when the foraminal stenosis is severe.

A research for the relative signal intensity of the retrodiscal tissue in the temporomandibular joint disorder patients on MRI

The relative signal intensity of retrodiscal tissue in TMJ using a T2-weighted MRI

Relative signal intensity of retrodiscal tissue in mri, and synovial fluid concentration of interleukin-6, mmp-2 and mmp-9 in temporomandibular joint disorder

In the progression of the Temporomandibular Joint Disorder(TMD), not only deformation and perforation of disc occur. But also fibrotic adhesion and inflammatory changes to the retrodiscal tissue can be seen in addition to the condylar degenerative change (e.g. osteoarthritis). However, the correct diagnosis,?planning for appropriate treatment, and prediction of prognosis are limited, because there are no means to stage the progression of the disorder. In this study relative signal intensity of retrodiscal tissue in MRI and the synovial fluid concentration of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the 23 temporomandibular joints(TMJ), from 17 patients with TMD were evaluated as a possible diagnostic marker. The relative signal intensity of retrodiscal tissue was referenced to brain gray matter with same region of interest(ROI) size. The concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9, and IL-6 were evaluated by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The collected data were compared with condylar degenerative change, joint effusion and disc position observed in MRI. The relative signal intensity of the retrodiscal tissue was increased significantly when degenerative changes were present. In addition, there was significantly high signal intensity in the presence of a disc displaced without reduction. The concentration of IL-6 was significantly increased when condylar degenerative change was no observed. And there were no changes in the levels of IL-6 according to disc position and joint effusion measurement. Moreover, there were no significant relevance between the concentration of total MMP-2 and active MMP-9 in synovial fluid, relative to degenerative changes in the mandibular condyle, to joint effusion, and to disc position observed on MRI images. In conclusion, the relative signal intensity of the retrodiscal tissue can be regarded as a mean of diagnosing the procession of TMD in a non-invasive manner. But more additional studies are required for the levels of MMP-2. MMP-9, and IL-6 to determine their potentials as a diagnostic marker for TMD.

The Mri-Based Comparison Of Normal- And Abnormal-Side Retrodiscal Tissue, And Relationship Between Clinical Examination & The Mri Findings Of Retrodiscal Tissue In Patients With Unilateral Tmj Internal Derangement

The study was performed to investigate the comparison of relative signal intensity of normal- and abnormal-side retrodiscal tissue, and relationship between clinical examination, joint effusion and relative signal intensity of retrodiscal tissue in patients with unilateral TMJ internal derangement. The study group comprised 19 females and 9 males, with a mean age of 29 years. After measurements of the signal intensity were made on the MR imager for the T2 weighted images on retrodiscal tissue and brain gray matter, we calculated relative value and tried to find relationship between clinical examination, joint effusion and relative signal intensity on normal- and abnormal-side. The results are as follows. 1. The gray matter is an appropriate reference point. 2. The relative signal intensity is high significantly in abnormal-side retrodiscal tissue compared with normal-side retrodiscal tissue. 3. The relative signal intensity is high significantly in painful joints compared with nonpainful joints and in joints with joint effusion compared with joints without joint effusion. 4. The relative signal intensity in normal joints, joints with reduction and joints without reduction is increased in order significantly.