Case report: inflight decompression sickness affecting the temporomandibular joint

A 26-yr-old AC-130 gunner developed unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain while flying a combat support mission. A diagnosis of decompression sickness (DCS) was made based on his symptoms and risk factors that included prolonged exposure to high altitude (60 to 90 min at 18,000 ft), cold temperature (-11 degrees C), and increased inflight activity. His symptoms resolved with 100% oxygen and he was returned to flying status after 72 h. Altitude related DCS is an unusual occurrence and this is the first reported case of inflight DCS affecting the temporomandibular joint.