Summary
The cat in this report was admitted with mandibular symphyseal separation and jaw
malocclusion referrable to luxation of the right TMJ. Radiographs revealed a fracture
of the right articular eminence in the frontal plane of the head. Closed reduction,
while initially successful, failed to prevent reluxation of the mandible. Polyester
suture was used to successfully tether the right mandibular condyle to the zygomatic
process of the temporal bone, preventing any reluxation and allowing healing of the
fractured eminence.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) luxation is a relatively commonly encountered injury
of the feline jaw. While most temporomandibular joints remain stable once relocated,
some will reluxate. A new technique using polyester suture to successfully treat an
unstable rostral TMJ luxation, and associated fracture in a cat, is described. Alternative
treatments for this condition are briefly discussed.
Keywords
Traumatic luxation - temporomandibular joint luxation - condylar tethering