Total Joint Replacement After Condylar Destruction Secondary to Long-Standing Dislocation of the Temporomandibular Joint.

BACKGROUND

To describe the treatment of 2 long-standing chronic dislocation of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and 1 chronic recurrent dislocation.

METHODS

This report describes the treatment of 3 patients; 2 with a long-standing chronic dislocation of the TMJ and 1 with a chronic recurrent dislocation. Duration of dislocation and anatomical considerations make the treatment challenging and controversial. The patients presented in this report all developed destruction of their condyles. They were successfully treated with total joint replacement with alloplastic devices.

RESULTS

All the 3 patients underwent successful surgery and recovery. Mandibular function and pain level were significantly improved.

CONCLUSION

Long-standing dislocation of the TMJ is rare. This condition can be successfully treated by resection of the damaged condyles and reconstruction with alloplastic total TMJ replacements.