Treatment of chronic mandibular dislocations using miniplates: follow-up of 8 cases and literature review

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is an excessive forward movement of the condyle beyond the articular eminence with complete separation of the articular surfaces and fixation in that position. This study reports 8 cases using miniplates for chronic mandibular dislocations, evaluates the results and critically reviews the literature. The sample was obtained from the records of the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital and comprises patients undergoing chronic mandibular dislocation treatment using 2.0 mm titanium miniplates between August 2002 and March 2004. 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. The mean maximal mouth opening preoperatively was 42.75 ± 11.53 mm and was 45.62 ± 8.52 mm postoperatively. There was no facial nerve paralysis. Miniplate fracture was observed in 2 cases and there was one recurrence. Treating chronic mandibular dislocation using miniplates was shown to be efficient in relation to postoperative maximal mouth opening, recurrence and articular function, however, the possibility of the miniplate fracturing must be considered.