Management of Habitual Temporomandibular Joint Dislocation by Eminectomy

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation(luxation) occurs when the condyle moves out of the glenoid fossa upon mouth opening and is locked anteriorly to the articular eminence. The dislocation leads to protective contraction or spasm of masticatory muscles, which reinforces the locked state, with or without pain. Usually, the episodes are triggered by any activities that lead to wide mouth opening such as yawning, laughing, and prolonged, excessive mouth opening during a dental or medical exam. It is a distressing and embarrassing situation for the patient. Repetitive dislocation of TMJ is defined as recurrent or habitual TMJ luxation. There are many treatment modalities available ranging from conservative approach to surgical approach. However, conservative approaches usually offer only a temporary solution and they have significant failure rate. Surgical approaches are available with varying degrees of success. Eminectomy is the most predictable surgical treatment for recurrent TMJ luxation. Herein, we report a case of a 47-year old male patient who was diagnosed with bilateral recurrent TMJ luxation that was successfully treated through bilateral eminectomy.