Chronic Long Standing Dislocation of Temporomandibular Joint-the Role of Conservative Methods-Our Experience

Dislocation of TMJ represents 3% of all reported dislocated joints in the body. However most authors regard long standing dislocation as a rare entity. It is clear from the literature that there is no standard method of evaluating or treating these TMJ conditions. This is probably due to high success rates achieved in the management of acute conditions, and the rarity of chronic conditions. Long standing cases are most difficult and frustrating to manage. The aim of these case reports is to demonstrate the management of long standing TMJ dislocation by conservative mean as an attempt to add the contemporary knowledge of the ideal treatment of this kind of condition.

Here we are presenting three cases of age ranges between 25-70yrs (2 female and 1 male) who were unable to close their mouth since 2–4 months. Manual reduction of condyles with MMF had been done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

Clinical and radiological examination, 6 month after the repositioning of condyles revealed uncomplicated postoperative course.

In conclusion, patient with long standing TMJ dislocation could be managed conservatively either under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia. The present case reports showed that manual reduction of condyles with MMF under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia was successful in managing the long standing dislocation.