Role of the sympathetic nervous system in chronic joint pain and inflammation.

Long-term evaluation of arthroscopic surgery with lysis and lavage of temporomandibular joint disorders

“…It is important to take into account that the sympathetic and sensory nerve fibres within the TMJ are located in the anterior recess and the retrodiscal tissue of the upper compartment. Anterior disc release may reduce the number of these nerve fibres in arthroscopic procedures, thus influencing pain dynamics (Kidd et al, 1992). The advantages of arthroscopic surgery and lavage compared with open joint surgery using the Jaw Pain and Function Questionnaire are that arthroscopic surgery is less invasive and associated with lower morbidity (Undt et al, 2006).…”

Open versus arthroscopic surgery for internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint: A retrospective study comparing two centres’ results using the Jaw Pain and Function Questionnaire

“…Another mechanism may be assumed by the results of anatomicalexperimental studies: the distribution of sympathetic and sensory nerve fibres within the temporomandibular joint shows a characteristic pattern. The highest density of these fibres involved in the referral of pain and modulation of vascular tone are located in the anterior recess and the retrodiscal tissue of the upper joint compartment (Kidd et al, 1992;Kido et al, 1993). Anterior disc release by means of a laser or a diathermy probe and posterior scarification or partial excision of the bilaminar zone may reduce the number of these nerve fibres in arthroscopic and open procedures as well, thus influencing pain and joint fluid dynamics.…”

Increased vascular penetration and nerve growth in the meniscus: a potential source of pain in osteoarthritis

“…Angiogenesis and sensory nerves are seen in the synovium and at the osteochondral junction in OA15 penetrating into non-calcified articular cartilage and osteophytes 6. These perivascular, unmyelinated nerve fibres containing substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are implicated in mediating sustained burning pain described by patients with OA 16 17…”