Long-term efficacy of botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of habitual dislocation of the temporomandibular joint.

Injection of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) into the lateral pterygoid muscles is a recently reported treatment for habitual dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We report five cases of dislocation in elderly patients with neurological or other severe systemic disease, and their successful treatment with one injection of BTX-A into the lateral pterygoid muscles. This is a relatively conservative option. Injection into the muscle is straightforward and can be done in outpatients with few complications. We recommend it as the first choice for patients with habitual dislocation and systemic or neurological diseases, particularly in the elderly. Copyright 2009 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.