Mini-Anchors to Surgically Treat the Chronic Mandibular Dislocation

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthodontics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Chronic mandibular dislocation presents significant challenges in treatment.
• Recurrent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocations impact patient function and quality of life.
• Minimally invasive techniques are sought for effective TMJ disorder management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of using mini-anchors for chronic mandibular dislocation treatment.
• To identify factors influencing the success of the mini-anchor technique in TMJ disorders.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a mini-anchor based mandibular translation control system.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 9 patients (18 joints) with bilateral recurrent mandibular dislocation.
• Treatment involved a mini-anchor technique for mandibular translation control.
• Data collected included subjective (Visual Analog Scale) and objective (interincisal opening, lateral excursions) parameters pre- and post-surgery (≥12 months follow-up).

Main Results:

• Significant subjective improvements (89-94%) in pain and dysfunction were noted (P < .01).
• Comfortable interincisal opening increased by 41%.
• Lateral excursions improved by 43%, while maximum interincisal opening decreased by 12 mm.

Conclusions:

• The mini-anchor translation control system is an effective treatment for recurrent mandibular dislocations.
• This technique shows promise for patients with or without disc dislocation.
• Mini-anchors provide a viable surgical option for managing chronic TMJ instability.