Treatment of chronic mandibular dislocations by eminectomy: Follow-up of 10 cases and literature review

Introduction: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is defined as an excessive forward movement of the condyle beyond the articular eminence, with complete separation of the articular surfaces and fixation in that position. Objectives: To report ten cases treated by eminectomy for chronic mandibular dislocations, to evaluate the results of these surgeries and make a critical review of the literature. Methods: The sample was obtained from the records of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Pernambuco and comprises cases submitted to chronic mandibular dislocation treatment by eminectomy between 2002 and 2007. Pre- and postoperative assessment included a thorough history and physical examination to determine the maximal mouth opening, presence of pain and sounds, frequency of luxations, recurrence rate and presence of facial nerve paralysis. Results: The mean maximal mouth opening in the preoperative period was 48.4 +/- 8.5 mm and in the postoperative period it was 41.3 +/- 5.0 mm. No facial nerve paralysis or recurrence was observed. Conclusion: The treatment of chronic mandibular dislocations by eminectomy was shown to be efficient in relationship to the postoperative maximal mouth opening, recurrence and articular function.