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Fracture dislocation of temporomandibular joint

Last edited: 4/10/2026

Overview

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation involves the displacement of the mandibular condyle from the articular fossa 1. This can occur acutely, for example, during medical procedures, or chronically 12.

Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis is typically made clinically based on patient presentation and physical examination 1.
  • Radiographic imaging may be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess for associated fractures 1.
  • Management

  • Acute dislocations are often managed with closed reduction 1.
  • Surgical interventions, such as eminectomy, are considered for chronic dislocations 2.
  • Special Populations

  • Jaw dislocation can occur during general anesthesia, particularly with the placement of oral airways or nasogastric tubes 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Closed reduction is a primary treatment for acute temporomandibular joint dislocations 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
  • Eminectomy is a surgical option for managing chronic mandibular dislocations 2. (Evidence: Weak)
  • References

    1 Sosis M, Lazar S. Jaw dislocation during general anaesthesia. Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthesie 1987. link 2 Helman J, Laufer D, Minkov B, Gutman D. Eminectomy as surgical treatment for chronic mandibular dislocations. International journal of oral surgery 1984. link80018-6)

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Jaw dislocation during general anaesthesia.Sosis M, Lazar S Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthesie (1987)
    2. [2]
      Eminectomy as surgical treatment for chronic mandibular dislocations.Helman J, Laufer D, Minkov B, Gutman D International journal of oral surgery (1984)

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