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Hippocrates Asserted That Temporomandibular Joint Dislocation Could Be Fatal if Not Reduced
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, JPN.
Cureus
|October 24, 2025
Summary
Hippocrates may have described traumatic superior temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation, a rare condition where the jaw dislocates into the skull. This ancient observation aligns with modern findings of serious neurological complications and fatalities from such injuries.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, documented temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation treatments.
- He noted untreated TMJ dislocation could be fatal within 10 days due to systemic complications.
- This account was historically controversial and largely dismissed by physicians.
Keywords:
hippocrateshistorical perspectiveintracranial complicationsmandibular condylemaxillofacial surgerymiddle cranial fossaneurological sequelaesuperior dislocationtemporomandibular joint dislocationMore Related Videos
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