Modified Leclerc blocking procedure with miniplates and temporal fascial flap for recurrent temporomandibular joint...

This study introduced the modified Leclerc blocking procedure with miniplate and temporal fascial flap for recurrent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation and evaluated its clinical effects. Seven patients were treated by the modified Leclerc blocking procedure with miniplate and temporal fascial flap. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from half a year to 2 years to access the maximal mouth opening, TMJ disorder symptoms (pain and sound), and incidence of recurrence. No recurrence was observed in all of the 7 patients postoperatively. The mean preoperative and postoperative MMOs were 49.7 mm and 40.1 mm, respectively. There were 3 patients who reported the alleviation of pain and/or sound postoperatively. Two older patients with long-term course of disease reported no improvement of the TMJ symptoms in terms of pain and sound postoperatively. Our results showed that the modified Leclerc blocking procedure with miniplates and temporal fascial flap provided a more stable support for the condylar movement with less recurrence, suggesting that this operation could be a good alternative for the treatment of recurrent TMJ dislocation.