Surgery Resolved Chronic Jaw Dislocation Case
An 81-year-old patient regained mouth function through a surgical procedure after experiencing a long-standing jaw dislocation.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Arthritis
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In August 2026, clinicians at Sisaket Hospital performed a bilateral eminectomy and condylectomy on an 81-year-old woman to treat a persistent jaw dislocation linked to her Parkinson's disease. The surgery allowed the patient to successfully close her mouth and swallow saliva, which she had been unable to do previously.
Why it matters
When jaw dislocations become long-standing, they often require surgical intervention because manual reduction is no longer effective. This case highlights how underlying conditions like Parkinson's, which cause muscle rigidity, can complicate joint stability and necessitate advanced corrective procedures.
A 2025 review of 229 cases found an average duration of 11.9 months for long-standing jaw dislocations. The report published August 29, 2026, highlights that 76.4% of such complex cases require open reduction surgical techniques.
The players
Sisaket Hospital
A medical facility in Thailand where the surgical intervention for the patient was performed.
The details
The procedure involved a bilateral eminectomy and condylectomy, where surgeons removed the bony ridge in front of the joint and the condyle itself to alleviate the persistent displacement. Muscle rigidity associated with advanced parkinsonism often causes patients to open their mouths wider than the joint can handle, leading to these dislocations. Unlike fresh dislocations that physicians can manually move back into place, chronic cases often require surgical reconstruction to restore function.
Timeline
A 2025 review analyzed 229 long-standing TMJ dislocation cases.
The specific case report was published online on August 29, 2026.
Health Landscape
TMJ dislocations account for approximately 3% of all reported joint dislocations, representing a rare but significant subset of orthopedic and maxillofacial care. This case report contributes to the broader medical consensus that open surgery is the standard of care for dislocations exceeding four months.
If you or a loved one with Parkinson's experience persistent jaw stiffness or difficulty closing the mouth, discuss these symptoms with a neurologist or maxillofacial specialist. Early detection of joint issues can prevent the need for more invasive surgical procedures in the future.
The takeaway
Chronic jaw dislocations that persist for several months frequently require surgical correction to restore basic functions like swallowing. If jaw pain or mobility issues arise, consult an oral surgeon to determine if manual or surgical reduction is the appropriate course of action.
Further reading
For more on the management of chronic joint conditions, visit our Arthritis section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medical Daily.
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