Tethering technique using bone screws and wire for chronic mandibular dislocation: a preliminary study of refractory...

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Refractory temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation presents a significant clinical challenge.
• Existing treatments may not provide sufficient stability or reliability for all patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel screw-wire tethering technique for managing refractory TMJ dislocation.
• To assess the short-term outcomes and potential benefits of this procedure in a specific patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of eight patients with refractory TMJ dislocation who underwent the screw-wire tethering procedure.
• Analysis of 13 affected joints, with additional reinforcement in five joints using double screw-wire ligations.
• Follow-up averaged 25 months to assess recurrence and complications.

Main Results:

• The tethering procedure was technically successful in all cases.
• One instance of dislocation recurrence occurred at 1 year due to wire breakage.
• Joints with double screw-wire tethering demonstrated no recurrence or wire issues.

Conclusions:

• The screw-wire tethering technique shows short-term efficacy for refractory TMJ dislocation.
• Further research is warranted to optimize ligation materials for enhanced durability.
• This method may improve patient quality of life, especially in those with limited life expectancy.