Surgery has been important in the treatment of internal derangement of the TMJ. Many patient series have been reported concerning surgeons' evaluation of the surgery but only a few articles regarding patient-based assessment can be found. This study presents responses of 83 patients to personal interviews and mail questionnaires. A high degree of patient acceptance of the surgery and satisfaction with the results are reported. Eighty percent consider their joint status better and would repeat the surgery if faced with the same problems, 70% are essentially pain-free, and 18% experience pain mainly during heavy chewing. Diligent preoperative patient preparation and postsurgical care are recommended for success.