Conservative Management of Chronic TMJ Dislocation: An Old Technique Revived

A temporomadibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is a condition in which the mandibular condyle is displaced from its articulations and requires manipulation by another individual to return to its normal position. TMJ dislocation is subdivided into acute, chronic recurrent or chronic persistent dislocations. Conservative (closed) or surgical (open) manipulation may be required to reduce the dislocated condyle. We present two cases of bilateral chronic protracted TMJ dislocation since 2 months. Following several unsuccessful attempts of manual reduction the patients were managed conservatively by placing posterior acrylic bite blocks and application of elastic traction which reduced the dislocated condyles satisfactorily in 2–3 weeks time. Every case of prolonged dislocation has its own unique features. Conservative approaches should be attempted initially, more radical treatment being used after these have failed.