Clinical negligence in temporomandibular joint surgery

This study reviewed the medical reports of 25 patients (21 female and 4 male) who were found to have been treated inappropriately by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery. One of more Breaches of Duty and resultant harms (Causation) were identified for each of the patients in this series. Their ages ranged from 18-64 (mean 36.2, median 35) years. A narrative review of free text data revealed six main patterns of Breach of Duty which were to do with consent, inadequate pre-surgical imaging, injection of botulinum toxin into jaw muscles, TMJ arthroplasty, management of TMJ dislocation and subluxation, and failure or reluctance to request second opinions. Harms identified included surgical damage to the TMJ, facial nerve dysfunction, and social isolation. One sum claimed was in excess of £1 million.