Closed condylotomy in the treatment of recurrent dislocation of the mandibular condyle.

Twenty-one patients 10-79 years of age were operated on for recurrent dislocation of the mandibular condyle using Kostecka's closed condylotomy method. The procedure alters the condyle position and will indirectly shorten the lateral pterygoid muscle, thus eliminating its pulling power to the condyle, even though it still functions. For the study, a late examination was performed with at least 1 year's follow-up. Seventeen patients were cured after unilateral or bilateral condylotomies, and two patients were asked to undergo a second operation on the opposite side. In normal cases any joint operated on was cured. Two cases suffering from congenital torticollis or disseminated sclerosis were felt to be unsuccessful. One exceptional case resulted in a pseudarthrosis, and was repaired by rib bone cartilage transplant. The method is the simplest and least traumatic when recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint is treated surgically.