Long-term follow-up after TMJ surgery to see if 6-month results predict outcomes about 10 years later

Long-term Follow up of TMJ Surgery and Evaluation of the 6-month Control as a Prognostic Marker.

Observational Karolinska Institutet · NCT06782165

This will see if people who had TMJ surgery for disc displacement still have the same results at about 10 years as they did at 6 months, and whether their joint X-rays show more or less degeneration.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment91 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Huddinge)
Trial IDNCT06782165 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational follow-up invites patients who previously underwent TMJ arthroscopy or discectomy for disc displacement to return for a clinical exam and cone-beam CT about ten years after surgery. Investigators will compare each patient's earlier 6-month surgical outcome data with the long-term clinical findings to determine stability of symptom relief and jaw function. Radiological imaging will be used to quantify changes in joint degeneration over time. The study uses existing ethically approved cohorts and does not introduce new surgical treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who previously had TMJ arthroscopy or discectomy for disc displacement in the listed ethically approved cohorts and can attend an in-person follow-up and cone-beam CT at Karolinska.

Not a fit: Patients who never had TMJ surgery, have different TMJ diagnoses, cannot provide consent, or cannot travel to the study site are unlikely to benefit from this follow-up.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help doctors and patients know whether early (6-month) surgical results are likely to last and guide long-term care decisions.

How similar studies have performed: Short- to mid-term reports (3–5 years) and a few retrospective surveys suggest generally good outcomes after TMJ surgery, but prospective 10-year clinical follow-up data are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients participating in the studies with ethical approval numbers EPN 2014/764-31/2 and 2014/622-31/1.
* Initial diagnosis DDwR or DDwoR.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient unable to verify informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Huddinge

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Temporomandibular DisordersTemporomandibular Joint Disc Displacement, With ReductionTemporomandibular Joint Disc Displacement, Without Reduction
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.