Intraoral myotomy of the lateral pterygoid muscle for treatment of recurrent dislocation of the mandibular condyle.

This article describes an intraoral procedure for myotomy of the lateral pterygoid muscle as treatment of recurrent dislocation of the mandibular condyle and five treated cases are presented. In none of the cases were anatomic structures damaged, and none of the patients has developed recurrence. The main effect of this treatment is ascribed to scarring anterior to the joint capsule, limiting excursion of the condyle. Although the follow-up is limited, the results seem promising.