Dissect the temporomandibular joint and expose the articular disc and head of the mandible.
- (ON THE RIGHT SIDE ONLY) Clean and identify the fibrous capsule of the temporomandibular joint. (G 7.42B;N 55;Gl 38.7) Use a scalpel blade to open the capsule and identify the articular disc immediately superior to the mandibular condyle. Use a blunt probe to identify the superior and inferior articular cavities. (G 7.45A;N 55;Gl 38.8)
- (ON THE RIGHT SIDE ONLY) Cut the lateral pterygoid muscle approximately 1 cm from both its anterior and posterior attachments. Remove the muscle between the two cuts avoiding the long buccal nerve. Leave the mandibular head and articular disc in place.
