Aim: To evaluated the effectiveness of arthroscopic eminoplasty in the management of habitual dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Patients and methods: The study is based on a retrospective evaluation of 11 patients (20 joints) with chronic habitual dislocations of TMJ treated with arthroscopic eminoplasty. Maximal postoperative mouth opening, complications related to surgery, duration of postoperative hospital stay, and recurrence rate (at 2 years follow up) were analyzed.
Results: Six patients presented complete dislocation (non self-reducible), while 5 patients reported a history of repetitive subluxations that altered their quality of life. Arthroscopic eminoplasty showed great outcomes in terms of recurrence rate, complications related to surgery and hospital stay.
Discussion: Arthroscopic eminoplasty represents a safe and effective technique to treat habitual dislocation of the TMJ. Moreover, the integrity of the TMJ capsule-ligament system is respected with this approach and this is extremely important in terms of joint stability.