The Supine Position Technique Method Is Better Than the Conventional Method for Manual Reduction of Acute Nontraumatic Temporomandibular Joint Dislocation.

OBJECTIVE

To comparatively assess the effectiveness of the supine position technique versus the conventional method, for the manual reduction of acute nontraumatic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation.

METHODS

This randomized single blind trial included a total of 40 patients, aged 18 to 80 years presenting with acute nontraumatic TMJ dislocation. Based on the randomization procedure, patients were treated with either conventional method or the supine position technique method. The visibility of dynamic occlusion during jaw manipulation, operation time, and visual analogue scale scores for pain perception were comparatively studied.

RESULTS

All patients with dislocated mandible were successfully managed. Unlike the conventional technique, the ability to monitor the dynamic occlusion during jaw manipulation was possible only in the supine position method group. The operation time (P < 0.05) and visual analogue scale scores for pain perception (P < 0.01) during the treatment were significantly reduced in the supine position technique group. No accidental finger biting was reported in any groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced operation time and reduced pain perception indicated that the supine position technique method might be a more viable alternative to the conventional method of reduction of acute nontraumatic TMJ dislocation.