A thin arthroscope, about the size of an injection cannula, is placed in the temporomandibular joint to show changes to the cartilage, bone, ligaments and synovial membrane.

This enlarges the structures of the joint space like a microscope and shows inflamed areas of synovial membrane, adhesions of the articular disc with surrounding structures, but also "disc perforation", where the upper and lower joint space have fused.

 
With TMJ arthroscopy the upper joint space is rinsed with plenty of saline solution. This procedure achieves the same positive effect as arthrocentesis and lavage. Severe adhesions can, however, also be imaged and targeted.