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Bilateral TMJ dislocation in a 23-month-old infant: a case report
Luke Cascarini1, Malcolm G Cameron
1Maxillofacial Unit, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead RH19 3DZ, UK.
Insights
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is rare in children but can be missed. Early recognition of clinical signs aids prompt diagnosis and management of this condition.
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.
Unlabelled:
Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare in children. We present the second youngest case reported. Diagnosis was delayed owing to failure to recognize important clinical signs. We outline how this problem can be recognized and treated, and propose radiographic confirmation of the clinical diagnosis which is not necessary if there is no history of direct mandibular trauma. Two new clinical signs are demonstrated.
Clinical Relevance:
TMJ dislocation is of relevance to all dental professionals because it can occur in the dental chair and because dental professionals are often called upon to manage this condition.
