Bilateral TMJ dislocation in a 23-month-old infant: a case report

Area of Science:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Pediatric dentistry
• Maxillofacial surgery

Background:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is an uncommon condition in pediatric patients.
• This case presents the second youngest patient reported with TMJ dislocation.
• Delayed diagnosis occurred due to overlooked clinical indicators.

Observation:

• The study highlights two novel clinical signs for recognizing TMJ dislocation in children.
• It emphasizes the importance of identifying these signs for timely intervention.
• The case underscores the challenges in diagnosing rare pediatric TMJ dislocations.

Findings:

• The report details the recognition and treatment of TMJ dislocation in a pediatric patient.
• It suggests that radiographic confirmation may not be necessary without a history of direct mandibular trauma.
• The study proposes specific clinical signs to aid diagnosis.

Implications:

• TMJ dislocation can occur during dental procedures, posing a risk to patients.
• Dental professionals must be prepared to diagnose and manage TMJ dislocations.
• Awareness of clinical signs and appropriate management strategies are crucial for dental practitioners.