A clinical study on the incidence of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint following harvesting of temporalis fascia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current clinical study was to reveal whether harvesting of a temporalis fascia graft would be associated with a higher incidence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement. METHODS: The study group involved 104 patients who had middle-ear operations, 67 of which involved harvesting of temporalis fascia and 37 that did not. The TMJs were clinically examined in each group. RESULTS: The total incidence of internal derangement of the TMJ was significantly higher in the group that had temporalis fascia harvesting (79.1%), compared to the group that did not have temporalis fascia harvesting (29.7%), (p= 0.001). CONCLUSION: Harvesting of temporalis fascia probably alters mandibular kinematics and predisposes to internal derangement of the TMJs.