Chapter 216: Temporomandibular Joint Dislocation Reduction

INTRODUCTION

Mandible or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocations usually occur in the setting of prior musculoskeletal problems of the jaw.^1-5 This includes joint laxity, prior injury or dislocation, inherent hypermobile syndromes (e.g., Marfan’s, Ehlers-Danlos), or neuromuscular problems (e.g., dystonic reactions) that pull the mandible out of its joint. The mandibular dislocation typically results from TMJ hyperextension or trauma. The Emergency Physician must be able to reduce a TMJ dislocation. The procedure is easy, simple, and straightforward.

ANATOMY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

The TMJ is an unusual joint (Figure 216-1). It is composed of two joints separated by an articular disk.⁶ The TMJ functions as a hinge and gliding joint. A discussion of the mechanics of the TMJ is beyond the scope of this chapter. Anterior dislocations are most commonly seen in the Emergency Department. The etiology of the dislocation includes laughing, chewing, iatrogenic from procedures, opening the mouth wide (e.g., eating, for procedures, yawning, vomiting, singing), seizures, and trauma.^7-10 These actions can result in the mandibular condyle sliding forward and anterior to the articular eminence of the temporal bone. Anatomic abnormalities of the TMJ have a greater predisposition for mandibular dislocation. These include a shallow articular eminence, weak or torn temporomandibular ligaments, an overstretched joint capsule, previous TMJ dislocations, or hypermobile syndromes (e.g., Marfan’s or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome).¹¹ The muscular attachments of the mandible result in a pulling of the condyle superiorly and in front of the articular eminence (Figure 216-2).¹⁰ This causes the mandible to become fixed in dislocation and rarely spontaneously reduces.¹²

TMJ dislocations are commonly anterior but may be in any direction.¹³ Anterior TMJ dislocations may occur spontaneously in normal individuals and can occasionally reduce spontaneously. Dislocations of the TMJ can be unilateral or bilateral. Posterior, superior, and lateral dislocations are much rarer. They are seen in the context of direct trauma to the mandible with or without an associated mandible fracture, cervical spine fracture, or skull fracture.^14,15

The diagnosis can often be made clinically in a cooperative patient with a nontraumatic history. The patient will present in pain with an open mouth, pain anterior to the ear, protruding mandible, and malocclusion.^16,17 A depression, both palpable and visible, will be noted in the preauricular area.¹⁶ The mandible appears symmetrical in bilateral anterior ...