Anterior dislocation of the temporomandibular joint: a simplified non-traumatic manual technique.

Anterior mandibular dislocation (AMD) is defined as the displacement of the condylar head out of the glenoid fossa beyond the articular eminence, and that does not reduce spontaneously to its normal position. The Hippocratic method is the usual approach for condylar repositioning at most health centers although it is perceived by the patient as an unpleasant, brusque technique and outcomes are not always favorable.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to describe a new simplified nontraumatic manual technique and its application in a series of cases.

METHOD: A procedure based on gently and constantly guiding the patient's mouth opening and closing movements is described in detail.

RESULTS: Forty-two patients were treated with a treatment success rate of 100%, and no pain associated with the procedure. Procedure time was 1.5-7 min in 40 of the 42 treated cases.

CONCLUSION: The procedure presented here is an improvement on the original technique: it is simple, fast, effective, can be performed in any setting, and avoids use of brusque force, which is the factor that causes the patient most discomfort and fear.