Clinical aspects of temporo-mandibular joint dislocation in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Dislocation of the temporo mandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation does occur and patients seek early treatment because of the resultant facial deformity and inability of the mandible to function.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate clinical presentations, treatment and treatment outcomes of temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation amongst 48 Nigerians who presented at the Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar, South-South Nigeria.
Methods: This was a prospective study of 48 Nigerians with TMJ dislocation. The emphasis was on their ages, gender, time of presentation, aetiology, type of TMJ dislocation with clinical features and the corrective treatment procedures and outcome of treatment. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using EPI info 2000 version software.
Results: There were 32 (66.7%) males and 16 (33.3%) females giving a male- to- female ratio of 2:1. Patients’ ages ranged from 19-79 years with mean age of 42.0 ± SD 3.4 years. The types of dislocation encountered were unilateral, bilateral, recurrent, non-recurrent, acute and chronic. The patients kept follow-up appointments and 43 (89.6%) had successful treatment outcome while five (10.4%) were unsuccessfully treated.
Conclusion: Yawning and trauma are the main aetiological factors in TMJ dislocation. The treatment employed depends on the time of presentation and the frequency of occurrence of dislocation. It is hoped that this clinical evaluation will contribute to the understanding and management of this condition by the oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Keywords: Temporo-mandibular joint, dislocation, occurrence, treatment, Nigeria.