Long-term results following miniplate eminoplasty for the treatment of recurrent dislocation and habitual luxation of the temporomandibular joint.

Twenty patients with recurrent mandibular dislocation or habitual luxation of the temporomandibular joint who underwent miniplate eminoplasty between 1994 and 1999 are presented. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 7 years. Clinical examination showed no evidence of recurrent dislocation. No significant reduction of normal mouth opening was found one year postoperatively. The pain level, self-estimated by the patients on a scale from 0 to 10, decreased significantly from 4.1 preoperatively to 1.2 one year postoperatively. In seven patients fractures of the miniplates occurred 3 to 7 years after eminioplasty (two bilateral fractures, five unilateral fractures). Due to the high incidence of plate fractures miniplate eminoplasty cannot be recommended as the surgical treatment of choice for recurrent dislocation or habitual luxation of the mandible, although the recurrence rate is low and pain is reduced considerably.