Background: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation can be categorized into three groups: acute, habitual or recurrent, and long-standing. Long-standing TMJ dislocation refers to a condition that persists for more than one month without reduction. Long-standing dislocation of the TMJ is rare and the most challenging and difficult to treat of the three.
Case report: The present case study relates to a 53-year-old woman with long-standing TMJ dislocation of a year's duration who presented for treatment. Due to this condition, she was unable to take food orally, and nutrition was managed by gastrostomy tube feeding. She also suffered from schizophrenia and had been admitted to a closed hospital. Bilateral mandibular condylectomy was performed, restoring oral function. However, post-reduction, an open bite remained, restricting the types of food that she could eat. Additional intermaxillary fixation and intermaxillary traction would have been required for an optimal outcome, but they were not possible for this patient.
Conclusion: Despite an inability to provide comprehensive treatment, due to patient-related factors, occlusal and masticatory functions were restored to adequate levels following bilateral condylectomy alone. This enabled oral feeding and improved her quality of life.