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Bilateral temporomandibular joint luxation in a 6-month-old child: Case report
Nesrettin Fatih Turgut1, Doğukan Özdemir1, Dursun Mehmet Mehel1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Health Sciences- Samsun Health Practices and Research Center, Samsun, Turkey.
Insights
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) luxation, a dislocation of the jaw joint, can occur traumatically or rarely due to non-traumatic causes like excessive crying in infants. Prompt diagnosis and manual reduction are key, with attention to potential recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Craniofacial Anatomy
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) luxation involves the condyle dislocating from its fossa.
- Traumatic etiologies are prevalent in pediatric populations.
- Non-traumatic TMJ luxation is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 6-month-old infant presented with acute inability to close her mouth.
- Anterior TMJ luxation was diagnosed clinically without imaging.
- Management involved procedural sedation and analgesia.
Findings:
- Non-traumatic TMJ luxation can manifest in infants following episodes of intense crying or vomiting.
- Clinical examination is typically adequate for diagnosing TMJ luxation in pediatric cases.
- Manual reduction is the standard treatment for childhood TMJ luxation.
Implications:
- Early recognition of TMJ luxation is crucial for timely intervention.
- The potential for recurrent TMJ luxation necessitates careful monitoring post-reduction.
- This case highlights the importance of clinical diagnosis in specific pediatric emergencies.
Background:
Luxation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an acute condition associated with translocation of the condylar joint out of its functional position. Traumatic causes are more common in childhood, while non-traumatic causes are very rare.
Clinical Presentation:
A 6-month-old patient was brought to a rural hospital emergency department with the inability to close her mouth. The patient was diagnosed with anterior TMJ luxation after the examination, and no additional imaging was requested. Reduction was performed with gas sedation accompanied by paracetamol for pain.
Conclusion:
In rare cases, non-traumatic TMJ luxation may be observed after excessive crying or vomiting in infants. Examination findings are generally sufficient for diagnosis. Reduction is performed with the classical manual method, especially in childhood. One issue that should not be ignored is the possibility of recurrence after dislocation.
