Chronic dislocation of temporo-mandibular joint reset by closed reduction with intra-articular pumping technique

Abstract

Chronic dislocation of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is often neglected for a long time without resetting for more than 3 or 4 weeks. In such cases, closed reduction may be very difficult because of fibrotic and/or osteogenic changes in the joint space. A twentysix-year old man was referred to our hospital complaining of long-term anterior dislocation of the TMJ. Jaw manipulation using the Hippocraes method followed by intra-articular pumping of the upper joint space of the TMJ achieved a good resetting result.