Feature on Revolutionary Minimally Invasive TMJ Surgery
SKAI’s “Atairiastoi” Features Pioneering TMJ Arthroscopic Surgery by Panagiotis Sennis
The SKAI morning current affairs programme “Atairiastoi” presented a special feature on the pioneering technique of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopic surgery, first introduced in Greece by Panagiotis Sennis, then Director of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at the Athens Naval Hospital.
This minimally invasive surgical technique is used to treat selected disorders of the temporomandibular joint without conventional open surgery. The technique had already been established internationally, and its introduction into clinical practice in Greece represented an important development in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
What is TMJ arthroscopic surgery?
Temporomandibular joint arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which the surgeon accesses the joint through very small entry points using a specialized endoscope and microsurgical instruments.
Unlike conventional open surgery, arthroscopy does not require a large surgical incision and therefore limits tissue trauma.
The procedure is used for the diagnosis and treatment of selected TMJ conditions, including:
- Displacement of the articular disc
- Chronic jaw pain or dysfunction
- Limited mouth opening
- Degenerative changes or intra-articular adhesions
- Arthritis and inflammatory joint conditions
The procedure is generally performed under general anaesthesia. Depending on the individual case and the extent of treatment, patients may be able to return home on the same day.
Recovery is usually faster than with open joint surgery, with the aim of restoring jaw movement and reducing pain while minimizing surgical trauma.
The contribution of Panagiotis Sennis and the Athens Naval Hospital
Panagiotis Sennis, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with extensive experience in the treatment of TMJ disorders, was the first surgeon in Greece to perform arthroscopic surgery of the temporomandibular joint, introducing the technique at the Athens Naval Hospital.
Under his direction, the department incorporated modern minimally invasive approaches to the surgical treatment of TMJ disorders.
The feature presented on “Atairiastoi” focused not only on the surgical innovation itself, but also on its potential benefits for patients living with chronic pain and functional limitations of the jaw.
The importance of this innovation for oral and maxillofacial surgery in Greece
The introduction of TMJ arthroscopy in Greece represented an important development in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders because it:
- Expanded the range of minimally invasive TMJ procedures available to patients
- Reduced surgical trauma compared with conventional open surgery
- Shortened recovery time in appropriately selected cases
- Supported the adoption of modern arthroscopic techniques in oral and maxillofacial surgery
The technique also highlights the importance of specialist training, multidisciplinary care and continued education in modern minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Conclusion
The feature presented by “Atairiastoi” on Panagiotis Sennis and TMJ arthroscopic surgery highlighted an important development in the surgical treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders in Greece.
TMJ arthroscopy provides a minimally invasive option for selected patients with chronic joint disorders, allowing the surgeon to diagnose and treat intra-articular problems through very small access points rather than conventional open surgery.
Its introduction into Greek clinical practice marked an important step in the development of modern oral and maxillofacial surgery and expanded the treatment options available for patients with persistent TMJ dysfunction.