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Chronic Protracted Dislocation of Temporomandibular Joint in a Trauma Patient - A Case Report
Romir Navaneetham1,2, Anuradha Navaneetham1,3, Satish Kumaran Pugazhendi2
1Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Brains Super Speciality Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Rationale:
Chronic protracted temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation refers to a condition that persists for more than one month without reduction.
Patient Concerns:
A 47-year-old male patient first presented to the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery complaining of the inability to close his mouth for nine months.
Diagnosis:
Chronic protracted dislocation of the temporomandibular joint.
Treatment:
An initial conservative approach was attempted to reduce the condyle, which was unsuccessful. As literature suggests, open-joint surgery with eminectomy and condylectomy of bilateral joints was performed.
Outcomes And Take-Away Lessons:
A stagewise treatment is essential for such cases of long-standing TMJ dislocations. A conservative approach is first attempted followed by surgery if the conservative approach is unsuccessful. Postsurgery physiotherapy is essential for a better prognosis.
