MANAGING TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISLOCATION IN IBADAN: A REVIEW OF 11 CASES

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthodontics
• Dental Traumatology

Background:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is a common condition.
• Understanding its presentation and management is crucial for effective treatment.
• Limited data exists on TMJ dislocation in Nigerian tertiary health centers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical presentation, management strategies, and outcomes of TMJ dislocation.
• To analyze the effectiveness of the Hippocrates manoeuvre in a Nigerian population.
• To identify demographic and etiological patterns of TMJ dislocation.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series of 11 patients diagnosed with TMJ dislocation.
• Diagnosis based on clinical examination, patient history, and radiological findings.
• Review of management approaches including the Hippocrates manoeuvre, general anesthesia, and intermaxillary fixation (IMF).

Main Results:

• The mean age of patients was 44.4 years, with a female predominance (7/11).
• The most common cause was wide mouth opening (6/11), followed by trauma (4/11).
• Anterior dislocation was prevalent (11/11), predominantly bilateral (10/11). The Hippocrates manoeuvre was successful in most acute, recurrent, and chronic cases.

Conclusions:

• Anterior TMJ dislocation is common in this Nigerian cohort, with a predilection for females and wide mouth opening as a frequent cause.
• The conservative Hippocrates manoeuvre is highly effective for TMJ dislocation, regardless of duration.
• Poor patient follow-up was noted, highlighting a challenge in long-term management.