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

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 pathologies.