Abstract
Temporomandibular joint dislocation causes considerable pain, discomfort, and swelling. The anatomic construction of the articular fossa and the eminentia articularis may predispose to dislocation, and weakness of the connective tissue forming the capsule is believed to be a predisposing factor. The capsule may be stretched and, more rarely, torn. Dislocation may be unilateral or bilateral and may occur spontaneously after stretching of the mouth to its extreme open position, such as during a yawn or during a routine dental operation. Manual reduction with the patient under muscle-relaxing condition or anesthesia is recommended method. After the reduction of an acute dislocation, immobilization of the jaw is recommended to allow the stretched and sometimes torn capsule to heal, thus preventing recurrence. A Barton's bandage may be applied for 2 to 3 weeks to prevent the patient from opening the jaw too wide. But, it results in recurrent dislocation in the neurologically disabled patient, because of loose intermaxillary fixation. This is a case report about management of recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation by multiple loop wirings and intermaxillary elastics in cerebrovascular accident patient.
