Establishment of a selective puncture method of the temporomandibular joint targeting the superior and inferior joint spaces using a human cadaver under the guidance of an ultrasound device.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate an ultrasound-guided selective puncture method for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), targeting superior (SJS) and inferior joint spaces (IJS), using a human cadaver. STUDY DESIGN: The study utilized five cadavers donated by members of our university. The cadaver's left side was aimed at the SJS, while the right side was at the IJS. Nonionic contrast was injected into each joint using a crossing technique, with the linear ultrasound probe placed parallel to the long axis of the mandibular branch and punctured perpendicularly into the joint cavity. Cone-beam computed tomography scans assessed both the TMJs examining discs and other components for damage using a gross anatomical technique. RESULTS: Computed tomography images confirmed successful contrast agent injection into all joint spaces without damaging the articular discs or cartilage of the mandibular head. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the ultrasound device can selectively puncture the TMJ in the SJS and IJS. In the future, the success rate is expected to improve with additional cadaver punctures. We aim to establish this technique as a viable treatment method that can be performed by oral surgeons with limited clinical experience in cadaver surgery training and a surgical technique training program using human cadavers.