ISSN: 2639-2127
Authors: López JP*
Purpose: This study aims to evaluate two different cutting devices in temporomandibular eminectomies. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional, observational analytical study included a sample of 41 historical records of patients diagnosed with unilateral chronic condylar luxation who underwent eminectomy between January 2011 and May 2018. Patients records were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of 16 patients who underwent eminectomy with an ultrasonic device (Piezosurgery Medical II; Mectron), and Group 2 included 25 patients who underwent eminectomy with a traditional cutting device (reciprocating saw). Results: In group 1, mean pain was 3 and in group 2 the mean pain was 5. Patients in group 1 have a mean of 41 mm +/-2 in mouth opening and in group 2 a mean of 35 mm +/- 2.5. Also, there was a case of skin infection (6.25%), and only one patient in group 2 had facial nerve injury in their temporal branch (4%). Conclusions: Today, there are sufficient reasons to consider the use of ultrasonic devices in osteotomies, such as eminectomy, to increase patient safety by reducing the risks of perforations to critical anatomical structures where complications can be severe and postoperative outcomes improved should be another indication.
Keywords: Piezoelectric; Eminectomy; Temporomandibular Joint
