Bilateral temporomandibular joint dislocation in a 10-month-old infant after vomiting

P J Whiteman1, E C Pradel

  • 1Ruth and Harry Roman Emergency Department, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|January 4, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation occurred in a 10-month-old infant. This condition can result from excessive mouth opening, with or without associated trauma.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric dentistry
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgery
  • Anatomy and physiology

Background:

  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocations are relatively uncommon in infants.
  • Infantile TMJ dislocations can be associated with developmental factors or trauma.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for long-term joint function.

Observation:

  • A case of bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation in a 10-month-old infant is presented.
  • The dislocation occurred following wide mouth opening.

Findings:

  • The infant presented with bilateral TMJ dislocation.
  • The etiology may involve excessive mandibular excursion without significant direct trauma.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering TMJ dislocation in infants presenting with symptoms of jaw dysfunction.
  • Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing long-term complications.
  • Further research into the specific risk factors and optimal treatment strategies for pediatric TMJ dislocation is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
Botulism01:22

Botulism

Botulism is a life-threatening neuroparalytic condition caused by botulinum neurotoxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, a Gram-positive, spore-forming, obligate anaerobe.In adults, the toxin enters the body in different ways: in foodborne botulism, the preformed toxin is absorbed in the intestine. In wound botulism, spores grow in injured tissue and release the toxin into the blood. Infant botulism differs mechanistically from adult forms. In infants, botulism commonly...
Development of Head Control During Infancy01:05

Development of Head Control During Infancy

The control of head posture and movement is an important early milestone in motor development. During the first four months of life, infants gradually learn to stabilize and move their heads against gravity. Head control depends on the gradual strengthening and coordination of the neck, shoulder, and upper trunk muscles.Early Head MovementsAt birth, infants have limited control over their heads because their neck muscles are still weak. While lying on their backs, newborns can usually turn...
Pathophysiology of Vomiting01:22

Pathophysiology of Vomiting

Vomiting is a complex physiological response to expel harmful or irritating substances from the body. It's a defensive mechanism triggered by stimuli like poisons, microbial toxins, cytotoxic drugs, and mechanical abdominal distension. The process is centrally coordinated by the vomiting (or emetic) center located in the medulla of the brainstem. This area, rich in muscarinic M1, histamine H1, neurokinin 1 (NK1), and serotonin 5-HT3 receptors, coordinates the act of vomiting through interaction...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...