Arthroscopy, Open Joint Surgery, And Other TMJ Myths With Dr. Moe Hakim

In this episode, Dr. Bobek and Dr. Wasson are joined by Dr. Moe Hakim, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon based in Arlington, Virginia. Dr. Hakim's practice focuses on TMJ surgery and orthognathic surgery, and he has been publishing on arthroscopic outcomes and PRF in the TMJ space.Topics covered in this episode:Whether open joint surgery still has a place in contemporary TMJ practiceArthrocentesis vs. arthroscopy: are they equivalent, and when does it matterLevel 3 arthroscopy and discopexy: indications, outcomes, and why Dr. Hakim does it less than he used toPRF for painful clicks and crepitus: how he uses it and what his outcomes look likeThe disc displacement obsession and why disc position may matter less than we thinkAcute vs. chronic closed lock and how the duration changes the surgical approachThe role of orofacial pain specialists in the TMJ care pathwayRegional and institutional variation in how TMJ surgery is perceived and practicedWhy "surgery is a last resort" framing is worth examiningDr. Hakim's Instagram: @thetmjandjawsurgeon📬 Questions or topic suggestions: [email protected] Down Fracture Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and their guests.