Tethering technique using bone screws and wire for chronic mandibular dislocation: a preliminary study of refractory cases

A retrospective study was performed to determine the efficacy of a tethering procedure developed to achieve a more rigid fixation and more reliable outcome in patients with refractory dislocation of the temporomandibular joint. The cases of eight patients with dementia and systemic diseases who underwent this technique were reviewed. In these eight patients, the condyles of 13 joints were ligated using wire between screws placed in the eminence and condylar head. Additional screw-wire ligations were applied to reinforce the restraint of movement in five of the 13 joints with suspected uncontrolled dislocation. The procedure was performed successfully, and the patients were followed-up for an average of 25 months. In one patient, dislocation recurred 1 year postoperatively due to wire breakage. The five joints in which a double set of screw-wire tethering was applied showed no recurrence or wire disturbance. This technique may, therefore, have short-term efficacy in cases that are refractory to standard procedures, although the material used for ligation should be investigated further. This approach can contribute to the quality of life of patients, particularly those with a short life-expectancy.