Surgical Treatment Of Recurrent Tmj Dislocation By Eminectomy With Discoplasty

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Various treatment methods have been utilized for recurrent dislocation of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). The purpose of this study is to define the effect of the eminectomy with discoplasty that had been performed in patients with TMJ luxation. MATERIALS AND EMTHODS Twenty patients (22 joints), whose diagnosis were TMJ dislocation were selected in 772 patients (871 joints) who had been underwent TMJ surgery between 1988 and 2000. The selected patients were divided into two groups. Group I (12 joints) was the habitual-luxation group which involves the recurrent TMJ dislocation patients. Group II (10 joints) was the open lock-history group which involves the patients who had more than two episodes of TMJ luxation and TMJ disorders. The history of TMJ luxation, maximum mouth opening and other TMJ signs and symptoms before and after surgery were reviewed. RESULTS: In group I, one patient who had been underwent both TMJ operation had a intermittent locking, but it disappeared after post-operative 32 months. In group II, intermittent pain was present in one patient who had bruxism, but it was disappeared by splint therapy. No more TMJ dislocations and other pains were checked in other patients of group I and II. CONCLUSION: Eminectomy with discoplasty may be used to successfully treat the TMJ habitual luxation accompanied with abnormal condition of the disc-condyle complex.