Sagittal split mandibular osteotomy for irreducible dislocation of the temporomandibular joint. A case report.

A case of irreducible dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) which proved to be resistant to conventional methods of treatment is reported. The patient was successfully treated by a sagittal split mandibular osteotomy with bi-cortical screw fixation. The report discusses the shortcomings of the current classification of TMJ dislocation and suggests an alternative classification.