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Mandibular Dislocation

This PatientPlus article is written for healthcare professionals so the language may be more technical than the condition leaflets. You may find the abbreviations list helpful.

The condyle becomes locked when it has extended too far forward (in relation to the eminence) and spasm of the pterygoid and masseter muscles prevent it from moving back.

Associated spasm and oedema produce extreme discomfort and anxiety for a patient who can't speak because they are unable to close their mouth.

Risk factors

  • Shallow mandibular fossa in the temporal bone
  • Weak or torn temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) ligaments
  • Underdeveloped condyle of the mandible
  • Connective tissue diseases, e.g. Marfan's syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
  • Neuroleptic use (orofacial spasm)1

Presentation

  • Anatomical abnormality of the fossa/interior articular eminence.
  • Dislocation can occur bilaterally, or unilaterally, with jaw locked open symmetrically or deviating to one side (opposite to dislocation).
  • Palpation shows TMJ anterior to the articular eminence.
  • Usually occurs during maximum opening of mouth, e.g. during yawning, laughing, prolonged dental work or an epileptic seizure.
  • May also be secondary to trauma.

Investigations

X-ray of jaw to exclude fracture in dislocation.

Management

Relief of pain and muscle spasm with IV benzodiazepine ± opioid and/or direct injection of local anaesthetic into condylar area.

  • Face patient and grasp the mandible with one hand on each side of the jaw with thumbs facing the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth (need to protect thumbs with thick wrapping of gauze or tongue depressors wrapped in gauze).2
  • Place fingertips around inferior border of mandible (near the angles) and steadily and slowly, apply pressure to free the condyles.
  • Then press the chin backwards and close the mouth, so the condyle returns to the correct position in the fossa.

NB: The jaw may snap back suddenly, so thumb protection is important!

  • Patients should eat a soft diet for one week.
  • Avoid wide opening of mouth; place fist under chin when yawning.
  • Prescribe analgesics and muscle relaxants. Local heat may offer relief.
  • In recurrent cases, two equally efficacious procedures may be used; either eminectomy or siting a miniplate on the articular eminence.3,4
  • Refer to oral or maxillofacial surgeon for follow-up.


Document references

  1. Bradshaw RB; Perphenazine dystonia presenting as recurrent dislocation of the jaw. J Laryngol Otol. 1969 Jan;83(1):79-82.
  2. MERCK. Mandibular Dislocation; Good diagram
  3. Cardoso AB, Vasconcelos BC, Oliveira DM; Comparative study of eminectomy and use of bone miniplate in the articular eminence for the treatment of recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation. Rev Bras Otorrinolaringol (Engl Ed). 2005 Jan-Feb;71(1):32-7. Epub 2006 [abstract]
  4. Mangersnes J, Hogevold HE; Treatment of recurrent mandibular dislocation. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 1999 Jun 30;119(17):2462-4. [abstract]

Internet and further reading

Acknowledgements

EMIS is grateful to Dr Hayley Willacy for writing this article. The final copy has passed scrutiny by the independent Mentor GP reviewing team. ©EMIS 2009.
Document ID: 2431
Document Version: 21
Document Reference: bgp24933
Last Updated: 15 Jun 2009
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