dental disorders
How To Reduce a Mandibular Dislocation
Relevant Anatomy
The TMJ is formed by the mandibular condyle and the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone. Anterior TMJ dislocation occurs when a condyle moves forward out of the fossa and becomes lodged anteriorly in front of the articular eminence. TMJ dislocation stretches the ligaments of the masseter, medial and lateral pterygoid, and temporalis muscles, causing painful spasms (trismus). Trismus prevents the condyle from returning to the mandibular fossa, which prevents closure of the mouth. When the condyle is restored into the fossa, the jaw will snap closed under the force of the muscles in spasm, which puts both the patient's tongue and the operator's thumbs in danger of being bitten. Spontaneous TMJ dislocations are more often bilateral than unilateral. 