<TMJ luxation: Measures in aging society> Strategy and proposal flow-chart in surgery for temporomandibular joint dislocation

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation has increased in elderly patients with dementia. The treatment strategy is complicated which leads to social issues in today's aging society. This paper proposes a reasonable flow-chart for surgical treatment based on experience and bibliographic considerations. Surgical procedures were performed in 61 of 77 patients excluding arthroscopic eminoplasty and the procedure in 8 recurrent cases was eminectomy alone. Additional procedures yielded better results. The purpose of the proposed flow-chart is to evaluate the influence of dementia or dystonia as the cause of TMJ dislocation. These pathologies may be a cause of disease or recurrent dislocation. No relationship allows any surgical options to be performed. The flow-chart needs to be verified in the near future.