Bilateral vertical-oblique osteotomy of ramus (external approach) for treatment of a long-standing dislocation of the temporomandibular joint: A case report

A case of long-standing, bilateral dislocation of the temporomandibular joint characterized by anterior open bite, and an inability to close the mouth is reported. A number of conventional modalities were tried unsuccessfully to reduce the dislocated condyle. Subsequently, the patient was successfully treated with bilateral vertical-oblique osteotomy of ramus (external approach) without using internal fixation. This modality resulted in achieving occlusion and a good range of mandibular movement postoperatively.