Emergency Cases Northwest Group

083 Jaw Jaw

Situation

Child had pain in right TMJ but had subluxated the left TMJ.

Background

An adolescent presented to ED with jaw pain, no trauma. She was discharged with follow up arranged at the tertiary centre. Returned 2 days later with pain in right TMJ and the jaw now deviated to the right.

She looked like this:

ref: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-019-0789-2

TMJ X-rays revealed subluxation of the left TMJ. This was reduced by massage and pressure, once the jaw was aligned adequately a bandage around the chin and head was applied. Discharged to attend the follow up as arranged.

Assessment

Although the pain was in the right TMJ the problem was in the left TMJ. Its not clear what the situation was at the first presentation.

Recommendation

Be aware TMJ dislocations can sometimes be unilateral with the jaw deviated towards the good side. The more common bilateral dislocation usually doesn’t have jaw deviation: they present with the mouth open unable to close.



PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE ANY PATIENT IDENTIFIABLE DATA OR GEO-LOCATION DATA IN THE SUBMISSION OR IN ANY ATTACHED IMAGES

Emergency Cases Northwest Group