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Background: Despite the diverse conservative and surgical modalities for the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation and the controversy that surrounds them, very little has been done within the East-African setup in terms of highlighting and provoking greater interest in the epidemiology and management of TMJ dislocation. Objective: To audit the pattern of occurrence, demographics, aetiology and enumerate the treatment modalities of TMJ dislocation at the oral and maxillofacial surgery division (OMFS) of the University of Nairobi Dental Hospital. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: University of Nairobi Dental Hospital (UNDH) from January 1995 to July 2005. Results: Twenty nine patients had been diagnosed and managed for TMJ dislocation. Twenty (69%) were females and nine (31%) were males. Their ages ranged from 10-95 years with a mean of 42 years. The cases managed were primarily chronic in nature. The most common form being anterior TMJ dislocation, accounting for twenty-five (86.2%) cases. Trauma was implicated as an aetiology in only five (17%) of the cases while the remaining majority of twenty four (83%) cases were spontaneous. Amongst the causes of spontaneous TMJ dislocation, yawning was the most common accounting for fourteen cases (48.3%). Dislocations caused by trauma were found to be 12.6 times more likely to be associated with other injuries than spontaneous dislocations. Anterior TMJ dislocations were found to be 1.3 times more likely to be associated with absence of molars than posterior TMJ dislocations. Anatomical aberrations, as predisposing factors, were not a significant finding in this research. Eight (28%) of the cases were managed conservatively. Twenty one (72%) of the cases were managed surgically. The eminectomy was the most common technique with a 75% success rate. The highest incidence of TMJ dislocation occurs in the 3rd-5th decade with a female preponderance with bilateral anterior TMJ dislocation being the most common. Most of the cases were managed surgically with eminectomy being the preferred technique with the highest success rate. A study needs to be undertaken to determine reasons' why conservative modalities are least employed in the management of TMJ dislocation in our setup and what can be done about it.

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Motorcycle crashes in Kenya have increased over the last decade and the most common injuries include the cranio-maxillofacial regions which needs documentation. This article determines the occurrence and pattern of maxillofacial injuries in motorcycle crashes. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional prospective study conducted at two referral hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya. Data were obtained through interview and physical examination of patients. Ninety-one patients were examined, among whom 76 (83.5%) were males and 15(16.5%) females (male—female ratio, 5:1). The age range and modal age were between 3 and 62 years and 21 and 30 years, respectively (mean age = 29 years). The midface was the most common fractured site (38%). Motorcycle-related injuries were most common in males aged 21 to 40 years. Collisions and falls were the most common cause of crashes. The midface was the most common region of facial injury and the injuries were associated with the lack of helmet use.

Long standing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis may cause severe facial deformity and growth retardation as well as psychological problems when it occurs in children. Different kinds of opinion have been advanced as regards its management. This article discusses the aetiology and management of bilateral TMJ ankylosis in form of a case report in a patient with severe facial deformity, malocclusion and retarded growth following bilateral TMJ ankylosis secondary to trauma. The patient was successfully managed by placement of costochondral grafts and interpositional arthroplasty with partial temporal myofascial flaps. Good mouth opening was achieved and subsequent follow-ups showed improved mandibular and general body growth as well as psychosocial performance. The aim of this paper is to discuss the management challenges posed by bilateral TMJ ankylosis.