IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Bilateral temporomandibular joint dislocation

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Post anesthetic. Clinically dislocated. X-ray confirmation pre-reduction.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male

Both mandibular condyles lie anteriorly to the articular tubercle of the temporal bone. This is suggestive of bilateral TMJ dislocation.

Case Discussion

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation occurs when there is anterior displacement of the mandibular condyles out of the mandibular fossa past the articular eminence, this must be manually reduced. TMJ subluxation is a similar displacement but is self-reducing. 

The TMJs were successfully re-located by the oral-maxillofacial surgeons. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.