Microscopic Surgery
Surgical technique matters
Pioneered by Dr. Mark Piper, and utilized by Dr. Shah, an operative microscope is essential in this practice. The temporomandibular joint is a small structure and a fragile structure. The Zeiss operating microscope allows for clear magnification and ideal illumination of anatomic structures. What this means in practice is less surgical trauma, less swelling, less pain, decreased risk of nerve injury and superior results. Dr. Shah utilizes the operating microscope for disc repair procedures as well as discectomies and joint debridement, when total joint replacements are required. Though this technique has obvious advantages, it is rarely utilized by other TM joint surgeons.
