Long-standing unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation with pseudo articulation with the base of the skull

Abstract

A case of long-standing dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complicated by growth and pseudo articulation with the base of the skull is described. The patient presented − more than 25 years after a traumatic event, with pain, facial asymmetry and malocclusion. A two-stage surgical correction was undertaken with preoperative embolization of the internal maxillary artery adjacent to the surgical site. The presenting features, stepwise progress and final results are illustrated and discussed. The treatment resulted in elimination of pain, restoration of occlusion and function and satisfactory facial appearance. This case, to our knowledge, represents the longest follow-up of TMJ dislocation with unique anatomic features as a result of overgrowth of the displaced condyle.

Keywords

• Temporomandibular joint dislocation
• Temporomandibular joint pseudoarticulation
• Base of skull
• Growth
• Total prosthetic temporomandibular joint replacement