A year-long dislocation of temporomandibular joints in an 18-year-old patient: case report

While temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocations can cause significant pain and anxiety for patients, this was not the case for an 18-year-old woman who presented for an assessment by the oral and maxillofacial surgery team at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. This patient had a year-long history of chronic bilateral anterior TMJ dislocation with severe resorption of the condylar heads. Relocation of bilateral TMJ with intermaxillary fixation was performed in theatre under general anaesthesia. Owing to the significant amount of resorption of condylar heads, the patient may require TMJ replacement surgery in the long term. TMJ dislocations can be difficult to diagnose. This case highlights the importance of a thorough clinical and radiographic examination to aid diagnosis. A delayed diagnosis and presentation can have a lifelong impact on patients. It can further increase the difficulty of management for practitioners. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This case report assists clinicians with the early identification and management of acute TMJ dislocations.