Surgical management of recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint: a new treatment protocol.

Recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare. It is distinct from acute or chronic dislocation and is associated with considerable morbidity and deterioration in quality of life. To formulate a practical surgical treatment algorithm, we retrospectively reviewed the management and long-term outcomes of 14 patients who presented to a single hospital department over a period of six years (2010-2016), and collected data on demographics, clinical features, operation, and outcome. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of seven years. Results showed effective long-term resolution of symptoms after a combination of eminectomy and disc plication (meniscopexy). Patients whose symptoms had resulted from dystonia of the lateral pterygoid muscle also benefitted from additional lateral pterygoid myotomy. A combination of eminectomy and disc plication (meniscopexy) effectively provides successful long-term outcomes in this group of patients.