RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex entity subjected to repeated stress with several symptoms. About one-third of people have at least one of those symptoms but only few (3 to 7%) need treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of temporomandibular joint surgery in 94 patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Several data were used for decision-making and the surgical technique was adapted to the etiology. The type of postoperative physiotherapy performed depended on the type of pathology. RESULTS: Most patients who underwent surgery between 1989 and 2004 were women (83%). The mean age was 30 years. We performed 179 surgical procedures and among them 151 Dautrey procedures. In 28 cases miniplates were used to avoid recurrences. In 57 cases postoperative physiotherapy was performed. The mean postoperative mouth opening increase was 4.7 mm (+ 23%). There was no infection or lost of plate. The mean of follow-up was about 14 months. DISCUSSION: With a long follow-up and an acceptable number of patients and operations, this retrospective study demonstrated the effectiveness of the Dautrey procedure in TMJ subluxations.
