Recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint: a literature review and two case reports treated with eminectomy

Aims Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a troublesome condition that occurs in a chronic or acute form. It is a distressing and highly embarrassing situation that may occur as a result of daily activities such as yawning, laughing, or during events that require keeping the mouth open for a long time. This review aims to present and discuss different conservative and surgical techniques to treat patients with a dislocated mandible, and to present two cases of surgical treatment.Methodology A search of the literature was completed (Medline, PubMed) using the keywords TMJ dislocation, TMJ luxation, mandibular dislocation and surgical and non-surgical methods of treatment for this condition.Results Eminectomy (Myrhaug's surgery) has been used with satisfactory results. Most of reports present large series of patients with more than one year of follow-up and no recurrence of complications. Is less invasive and take a short operation time; need no bone transplantation or placing any kind of foreign body into the joint.Conclusion Eminectomy results in long-term resolution of recurrent TMJ dislocations, when compared with others surgical techniques.