Managing temporomandibular joint dislocation in Ibadan: a review of 11 cases

Aim: The study presents a case series which evaluates the presentation, management and outcome of TMJ dislocation in a tertiary health centre in Nigeria.Materials and methods: Case review of 11 patients with TMJ dislocation seen in the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan over a period of 10 years. The criteria for the diagnosis of TMJ dislocation were based on history, clinical examination and radiologic findings.Results: Mean age of patients was 44.4 years (SD +/-15.9years); age range was 25-65 years with 4 males and 7 females. Aetiology was trauma in 4 cases, wide mouth opening in 6 cases and unknown in a patient. There were 7 acute presentations, 2 recurrences and 2 chronic presentations; bilateral anterior presentation in 10 cases, unilateral (right) anterior presentation in 1 case. 4 of the acute cases were successfully managed using the Hippocrates manoeuvre, 1 had the manoeuvre under GA, and 2 had spontaneous reduction. All recurrent cases were successfully managed with the Hippocrates manoeuvre and IMF. Fifty percent of the chronic cases were successfully managed with the Hippocrates manoeuvre. Follow up was < 2 weeks in 7 of the cases.Conclusion: The pattern of presentation of TMJ dislocation in the above named hospital was anterior dislocation, the female gender predominance, aetiology of wide mouth opening, as well as early presentation. A conservative method of management – the Hippocrates manoeuvre – was effective in most cases irrespective of duration of dislocation. Most patients had a poor attitude to follow up.Keywords: Temporomandibular joint, Dislocation, Conservative managemen