Chronic dislocation of temporomandibular joint persisting for 6 months: a case report

ABSTRACT

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) subluxation and dislocation are uncommon but very unpleasant and distressing conditions to patients. Subluxation of the TMJ is an excessively abnormal condylar excursion secondary to flaccidity and laxity of the capsule. When the condyle head excurses anterior to the eminence upon wide opening, it can return to the fossa by self-manipulation or non-surgical conservative reduction. Surgery is recommended if a complete dislocation, so-called open lock, occurs as a chronic or recurrent protracted condition that cannot be reduced voluntarily. A range of surgical procedures can be performed to limit condylar hypermobility inclusing soft tissue tethering, creation of articular obstacles, removal of mechanical blockade and augmentation of articular eminence using different kinds of grafts. In the present case, a 74-year-old woman was diagnosed with a chronic TMJ dislocation that had lasted for 6 months. Bilateral condylectomy was performed and the post-operative results were good without functional limitations or recurrence.