Autologous Fat Infiltration as an Adjuvant Procedure in Temporomandibular Arthroscopic Surgery. Technical Note.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Objective To describe a novel technique of autologous fat transfer as an adjunct to advanced arthroscopy for the management of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Methods During TMJ arthroscopy under general anesthesia, standard techniques were performed (subsynovial infiltration of anesthetic/corticosteroid, medial wall osteoplasty, and high myotomy of the lateral pterygoid muscle). Concurrently, autologous adipose tissue (∼2 cc/joint) was harvested from the periumbilical region. The fat was mechanically processed through repeated passage between syringes using a Luer-Lock connector to reduce particle size, enabling injection into the superior joint space under arthroscopic vision. Results Integrating autologous fat infiltration with advanced arthroscopic techniques provides a minimally invasive approach that combines mechanical effects (viscoelastic cushioning) and biological benefits (immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and trophic properties of adipose-derived stem cells). This protocol permits comprehensive management of TMJ internal derangement, including advanced stages. Conclusion Autologous fat transfer as an adjunct to advanced arthroscopy represents a safe, effective innovation with low donor-site morbidity. This is the first described protocol combining both techniques, expanding minimally invasive treatment options for complex TMJ pathologie

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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