Treatment of chronic mandibular dislocations by eminectomy: follow-up of 10 cases and literature review.

Introduction: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is defined as an excessive forward movement of the condyle beyond the articular eminence, with complete separation of the articular surfaces and fixation in that position. Objectives: To report ten cases treated by eminectomy for chronic mandibular dislocations, to evaluate the results of these surgeries and make a critical review of the literature. Methods: The sample was obtained from the records of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Pernambuco and comprises cases submitted to chronic mandibular dislocation treatment by eminectomy between 2002 and 2007. Pre- and postoperative assessment included a thoroug…