Radiographic assessment of changes in articular tubercle after Dautrey's procedure

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the increase in height and change in position of neo-articular tubercle in cases treated by Dautrey's procedure.

10 cases of Tempromandibular joint (TMJ) disorders satisfying the inclusion criteria were included in this study, out of which 8 had bilateral chronic recurrent dislocations (CRD) and remaining 2 were suffering from bilateral symptomatic TMJ subluxations. Clinical and radiographic finding were recorded. Bilateral Dautrey's procedure was done under general anaesthesia (GA). Post operative clinical findings and radiographic parameters were compared.

Data analysis showed mean age in this study group was 40.9 years. Out of 10 patients 7 were females and 3 males.The procedure resulted in statically significant stable decrease in mouth opening after 12 months. In radiological evaluation using orthopantomograph (OPG), average increase in articular tubercle height was 3.65 mm on right side and 3.52 mm on left side. The mean anterior shift of articular tubercle lowest point was 4.56 mm on right side and 4.51 mm on left side which were statically highly significant.

Dautrey's procedure is simple, effective procedure to prevent anterior excursion of condyles. In this study it was found that down fractured zygomatic arch significantly increases the articular tubercle height and relocates the lowest point anteriorly thereby preventing excessive anterior excursion of condyles.