Outcomes of autogenous blood injection in the treatment of recurrent dislocation of temporomandibular joint [TMJ]

ABSTRACT

Recurrent Temporomandibular dislocation has been managed in the past with both surgical and non-surgical modalities. The objective of this study was to assess the functional results of autologous blood injection into the joint space for recurrent TMJ dislocation. This study was conducted in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nishter Institute of Dentistry Multan from July 2011 to July 2012. A total of eleven patients of recurrent dislocation of jaw were managed by autogenous injection of blood into glenoid fossa with temporary intermaxillary fixation for 15 days. All patients were female with mean age 40.18+7.83 years [range from 30 to 55 year]. Diagnosis was made by clinical and radiographic judgment of OPG. The major cause of dislocation was prolonged forceful opening of jaw. Functional assessment was performed by clinical assessment after opening and closing of jaw. Mouth opening was assessed by measurement of interincisal distance pre and post operatively. Outcome measures of interincisal distance are done by inch tape and other outcomes were assessed by clinical judgment. Data was analysed using SPSS version 15. In one patient dislocation recurred after three months of procedure but frequency of dislocation reduced. In another patient dislocation occurred immediately after release of intermaxillary fixation. In other patients recurrence did not occurred after release of intermaxillary fixation at 6 months follow up. No significant treatment complication occurred. Pain on injection and swelling occurred in all patients for a brief period. Autogenous blood injection in glenoid fossa with intermaxillary fixation for 15 days is asafe and effective treatment in cases of recurrent dislocation of TMJ