Surgeons Treated Rare Chronic Jaw Dislocation
A surgery restored mouth function in an 81-year-old patient with long-standing joint displacement.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Arthritis
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Medical professionals at Sisaket Hospital in Thailand successfully performed a bilateral eminectomy and condylectomy on an 81-year-old woman in August 2026. The procedure addressed a long-standing jaw dislocation that had left the patient unable to close her mouth or swallow normally.
Why it matters
The surgery was necessary because muscle rigidity associated with Parkinson's disease, combined with a wide mouth opening, led to a persistent dislocation that could not be corrected by manual manipulation. This case highlights the complexity of managing TMJ issues in patients with underlying neurological conditions.
TMJ dislocations account for 3% of all joint dislocations. A 2025 review of 229 cases found an average duration of 11.9 months for these injuries before corrective intervention.
The players
Sisaket Hospital
This is the medical facility in Thailand where the surgical procedure on the 81-year-old patient was successfully performed.
The details
Surgeons removed the bony ridge in front of the joint and the condyle itself to resolve the displacement. While physicians typically move a jaw back into place by hand for fresh injuries, chronic cases frequently require this invasive surgical approach.
Timeline
A review of 229 cases was published in 2025.
The case report was published online on August 29, 2026.
Health Landscape
This surgery follows the diagnostic and treatment patterns identified in the 2025 review of 229 cases of long-standing jaw dislocations. The procedure reflects a shift toward surgical intervention for chronic TMJ cases that have surpassed the timeframe for manual repositioning.
Patients with chronic jaw issues may require surgical consultation if manual repositioning fails after several months of displacement. Early identification of jaw dysfunction is critical for patients with Parkinson's disease to prevent the need for invasive bone removal procedures.
The takeaway
Chronic TMJ dislocation requires specialized surgical intervention when manual techniques are no longer viable. Patients with neurological conditions affecting muscle rigidity should be monitored closely for signs of persistent jaw displacement.
Further reading
For more information on joint conditions, visit the Arthritis section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medical Daily.
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