# Guide device to assist in performing arthroscopic surgery of the temporomandibular joint—a preliminary study

## TL;DR

A new guide device called LOPO helps improve the accuracy and speed of arthroscopic surgery for the temporomandibular joint.

## Contribution

The LOPO device is introduced as a novel tool to assist in TMJ arthroscopic surgery, improving cannula insertion and positioning.

## Key findings

- The study group required fewer attempts for successful cannula insertion compared to the control group.
- The LOPO group had a shorter time between arthroscope insertion and cannula visibility on the monitor.
- Overall surgery duration was significantly shorter in the LOPO group.

## Abstract

Background: Arthroscopic surgery of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) requires inserting an
arthroscope and a working cannula into the joint cavity. Working cannula
introduction and positioning require high levels of expertise. Methods: A randomized
controlled trial was performed on patients with closed lock of the TMJ who
underwent arthroscopic lysis and lavage. A total of 15 subjects participated in
this study, with 6 in the study group using the Locator-Positioner guide device
(LOPO) and 9 in the control group using triangulation. The main outcomes
included: (1) Number of attempts necessary for successful cannula insertion. (2)
The time between arthroscope insertion and the appearance of the working cannula
on the monitor, and (3) Overall surgery duration. Results: A successful cannula insertion
took an average of 2.1 attempts in the study group compared with 3 attempts in
the control group (p = 0.045). Study group arthroscope insertion to
monitor appearance of cannula took 2.3 minutes, whereas control group took 4
minutes (p = 0.039). A total of 14 minutes was spent on surgery in the
study group compared to 16.5 minutes in the control group (p = 0.009).
Conclusions: LOPO device improved both the insertion of the working cannula into the TMJ and
its positioning relative to the arthroscope throughout surgery. It reduced
insertion attempts and shortened the surgery duration. Clinical Trial
Registration: the study was registered at
clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT 06520917.