Recurrent Mandibular Dislocation Treated by Eminectomy

Abstract

Mandibular dislocations present with frequency; when they are recurrent and sustained over time, surgical treatment is indicated. Although different therapeutic techniques exist, the eminectomy is one of the most often applied. In this investigation, 3 cases are described where the bilateral eminectomy was performed for recurrent mandibular dislocation with 5 years of duration. No dislocation recurrence, postoperative pain, or functional alterations were observed in any of the patients. The bilateral eminectomy is a well-known procedure described in the literature, with good scientific support and constant modifications to optimize its indications and results. Compared with the results from other investigations, it is concluded that treatment with a bilateral eminectomy can be applied safely in cases of recurrent mandibular dislocations.