Arthroscopic surgery was applied to correct various disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Lysis and lavage of the upper TMJ compartment proved of value in patients with anterior disc displacement without reduction ("closed lock"), because it increased the range of mouth motion and alleviated pain in the TMJ. Because this beneficial arthroscopic intervention did not encompass repositioning the disc, its surgical relocation when attempting to overcome dysfunction and pain in the TMJ is questioned.