Mini-Anchors to Surgically Treat the Chronic Mandibular Dislocation.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the feasibility of using mini-anchors for the treatment of chronic mandibular dislocation and to identify the variables that affect the success of this approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study evaluated 9 patients with bilateral recurrent dislocation of the mandible (18 operated joints), treated by a mandibular translation control system using the mini-anchor technique. Data was collected using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for subjective parameters and measurements for objective parameters prior to surgery (T1) and at the longest available follow-up (T2) with a minimum of a 12 months interval. Patients subjectively rated their facial pain/headache, jaw function, disability, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and diet. Objective functional changes were determined by measuring the interincisal opening and lateral excursions at T1 and T2. RESULTS: Significant subjective improvements in pain and dysfunction (89 to 94%) were observed (P < .01) from T1 to T2 in all parameters. The comfortable and guarded interincisal opening without mandibular dislocation increased by 41%, the maximum interincisal opening reduced 12 mm, and lateral excursions improved by 43%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with recurrent mandibular dislocations with or without disc dislocation can be treated effectively by the mini-anchor translation control system.