Myrhaug's Operation for Treating Recurrent Dislocation of the Temporomandibular Joint

Abstract

If conservative treatment fails in cases of recurrent dislocation of the mandible, surgical intervention is usually indicated. One frequently advocated surgical technique is the operation set forth by Myrhaug. This article presents a new modification of this operation in which the upper joint space is not opened and the cartilage of the eminence is not damaged. This helps to prevent secondary degenerative joint disease with its limitation of movement.

Of the 16 patients (31 joints) the authors operated on, only one patient showed signs of degenerative arthritis. All patients but one were satisfied with the results of the surgery. Follow-up times ranged from eight months to more than nine years, with an average follow-up of five years and four months. The article also examines whether the good results are caused by a limited movement of the condyle due to scar formation or by liberation of the backward movement of the condyle over the reduced eminence.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Johan Blankestijn

Johan Blankestijn, D.D.S.

Dr. Blankestijn received his D.D.S. degree from the Dental School of the University of Amsterdam in 1981. He then went to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, where he worked on research on the TMJ. In 1983 he started his training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the same university.

Dr. Blankestijn has presented several seminars and papers and has published articles on TMJ dysfunction. He has also prepared videotapes on TMJ diagnosis for student education and for the university's continuing dental education program.

Geert Boering

Geert Boering, D.D.S., Ph.D.

Dr. Boering received his D.D.S. degree in 1954 from the University of Groningen Dental School in the Netherlands. During military service, he started his training in oral surgery at the Department of Jaw Surgery of the Military Hospital in Utrecht. He completed his training at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the University of Groningen in 1958.

In 1966, Dr. Boering received his Ph.D. His thesis was entitled “Temporomandibular Joint Arthrosis. An Analysis of 400 Cases.” Also in 1966, he was appointed professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Groningen. Dr. Boering has written four study books and many articles in international journals. He is a member of several international committees and associations.