Five cases, two of which were bilateral, of various temporomandibular joint affections were treated surgically by the authors during the past two years, 1964 through 1955. Case Ⅰ, bilateral ankylosis, was treated by bilateral Kelikian arthroplasty. Case Ⅱ, bilateral internal derangements (dislocation of the articular disc on one side and a torn and degenerated disc on the other with degenerative arthritis on both sides), was treated by bilateral meniscectomy and condylectomy. Case Ⅲ, internal derangement (tear of the articular disc), was treated by meniscectomy alone. Case Ⅳ, recurrent subluxation (with subluxation of the articular disc and degenerative arthritis), was treated by meniscectomy and condylectomy. Case Ⅴ, old unreduced dislocation (with dislocation of the articular disc), was treated by open reduction, meniscectomy and condylectomy.
In addition to these, several cases of internal derangement and a case of bilateral true recurrent dislocation (Case Ⅵ) and that of recurrent subluxation with contralateral internal derangement (Case Ⅶ) were also encountered by the authors during the same period, but their symptoms did not warrant surgical intervention. Also encountered were a case of acute dislocation of the jaw which required anesthesia for closed reduction and a case of trismus following excision of a maxillary cancer, which are beyond the scope of this paper. In all the cases treated surgically, symptoms and disabilities were severe, whereas results were dramatic and gratifying.
Temporomandibular joint affections have often been either overlooked or neglected by the dentist, oral surgeon and otolaryngologist as well as by the orthopedist. Such affections are often extremely disabling and conservative treatment is too often disappointing if not futile. Properly selected and provided due precautions are taken to avoid a variety of complications, surgical treatment results in quick and gratifying relief of symptoms and disabilities.
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