Treatment of recurrent mandibular dislocation, Part II: Eminectomy

Fourteen patients underwent eminectomy for recurrent mandibular dislocation. The clinical follow-up period ranged from 7 months to 5 years. The function of the temporomandibular joint before and after eminectomy was analysed clinically and by computer-aided axiography. There was no significant decrease in the condylar path angle postoperatively, though the articular eminence had been removed up to its most medial portion. Translatory border movements showed significant limitation six months after surgery and normal range of motion in the first and second year after the operation. Postoperative hypermobility of the condyle was not observed.