• Binqing Wang, Junya Zhai, Yilue Zheng, Haizhou Tong, Yang Lü, Zhewei Chen, Ningbei Yin, and Tao Song.
• Center for Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Feb 12; 100 (6): e24012e24012.

IntroductionDistraction osteogenesis (DO) is a widely used for cleft and palate related maxillary hypoplasia. There has been little research on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation after maxillary DO. We present these 3 cases and analyze the possible causes for reference by other clinicians.Patient ConcernsIn the late stages of maxillary DO, the patients gradually felt a decrease in mandibular mobility and suffered from limited mouth opening. Case 2 and 3 could open their mouth up to 1 and 2 fingers and Case 1 barely able to open her mouth at the completion of distraction.DiagnosisCase 1 and Case 3 were diagnosed as right TMJ dislocation and Case 2 had a TMJ dislocation on her left side.InterventionsPatients with TMJ dislocation were repositioned with manipulation as soon as detected.OutcomesThere was no recurrence in all three cases during the postoperative follow-up period.ConclusionsMaxillary DO can sufficiently advance the maxilla in cleft lip and palate patients. Clinicians should be mindful of the TMJ dislocations that maxillary DO can exert on patients.Copyright © 2021 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

32 keywords...

hide…