A clinical study on treatment of temporomandibular joint chronic recurrent dislocations by a modified eminoplasty technique

Various augmentation techniques have been proposed to incarcerate the condyle for the treatment of temporomandibular joint chronic recurrent dislocation (CRD). Some of them have been used successfully, whereas some of them failed. The purpose of this study was to present an alternative eminoplasty technique, more specifically an inlay augmentation technique of articular eminence in the treatment of temporomandibular joint CRD. Twelve patients, 11 of whom had bilateral and the remaining 1 of whom had unilateral CRD, were evaluated. The same technique was used in the treatment of all patients. An oblique osteotomy of the eminence was carried out. Harvested chin graft was contoured in wedge form and inserted tightly into the osteotomy site. The augmentation of the eminence was provided by an inlay cortical bone graft without using any of the conventional fixation materials used to secure the bone graft. All of the symptoms of CRD have disappeared in the postoperative stage. Long-term follow-up revealed satisfactory mouth opening and augmentation of the eminence. None of the fixation materials such as wire, screw, or miniplate were used to keep the bone graft in proper place, and yet, patients had no further episode. It provided shorter operating time for surgeon and satisfactory postoperative results.