Temporomandibular joint dislocation after long-term mechanical ventilation

Introduction: Dislocations of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are relatively common and occur in as many as 7% of the entire population at some point in their lives. Anterior dislocations are the most common and are defined as the excessive forward movement of the mandibular condyle out of the gl...

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Main Authors: Suzanne K. Veneman, Stephanie E. Veneman, Thiemo F. Veneman
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SMC MEDIA SRL 2025-03-01
Series:European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.ejcrim.com/index.php/EJCRIM/article/view/5340
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author Suzanne K. Veneman
Stephanie E. Veneman
Thiemo F. Veneman
author_facet Suzanne K. Veneman
Stephanie E. Veneman
Thiemo F. Veneman
author_sort Suzanne K. Veneman
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Dislocations of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are relatively common and occur in as many as 7% of the entire population at some point in their lives. Anterior dislocations are the most common and are defined as the excessive forward movement of the mandibular condyle out of the glenoid fossa beyond the articular eminence with complete separation of the articular surfaces. However, anterior bilateral TMJ dislocation after intubation described in this case report, is a very uncommon complication. Case description: A 43-year-old woman with an unremarkable medical history presented to the emergency department with respiratory distress. She was admitted to the intensive care unit for non-invasive ventilation and intubated on the same day. After 10 days she was extubated. Post-extubation, the patient was unable to close her mouth, speak, or swallow, causing severe drooling. A computed tomography scan revealed a bilateral dislocation of the TMJ. An ear, nose and throat specialist successfully and easily repositioned the mandible under 5 ml of propofol, restoring normal jaw anatomy and function. Discussion: Endotracheal intubation is a predisposing factor for TMJ dislocation. Other risk factors include female sex, interincisal distance, and age. Early recognition and management are imperative, since delay scan cause difficult repositioning due to muscle spasms. Longer delays can cause long-lasting dysfunctions and pain. Conclusion: Bilateral anterior TMJ dislocation is a known but rare complication of endotracheal intubation. Swift recognition and treatment are imperative in order to prevent long-lasting anatomical and functional defects.
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spelling doaj-art-5ebbe300dc5d4aefa4c03d9b5c8c61512025-08-20T03:06:21ZengSMC MEDIA SRLEuropean Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine2284-25942025-03-0110.12890/2025_0053404875Temporomandibular joint dislocation after long-term mechanical ventilationSuzanne K. Veneman0Stephanie E. Veneman1Thiemo F. Veneman2Faculty of Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsDepartment of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsDepartment of Intensive Care Medicine, Horacio Oduber Hospital, Oranjestad, ArubaIntroduction: Dislocations of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are relatively common and occur in as many as 7% of the entire population at some point in their lives. Anterior dislocations are the most common and are defined as the excessive forward movement of the mandibular condyle out of the glenoid fossa beyond the articular eminence with complete separation of the articular surfaces. However, anterior bilateral TMJ dislocation after intubation described in this case report, is a very uncommon complication. Case description: A 43-year-old woman with an unremarkable medical history presented to the emergency department with respiratory distress. She was admitted to the intensive care unit for non-invasive ventilation and intubated on the same day. After 10 days she was extubated. Post-extubation, the patient was unable to close her mouth, speak, or swallow, causing severe drooling. A computed tomography scan revealed a bilateral dislocation of the TMJ. An ear, nose and throat specialist successfully and easily repositioned the mandible under 5 ml of propofol, restoring normal jaw anatomy and function. Discussion: Endotracheal intubation is a predisposing factor for TMJ dislocation. Other risk factors include female sex, interincisal distance, and age. Early recognition and management are imperative, since delay scan cause difficult repositioning due to muscle spasms. Longer delays can cause long-lasting dysfunctions and pain. Conclusion: Bilateral anterior TMJ dislocation is a known but rare complication of endotracheal intubation. Swift recognition and treatment are imperative in order to prevent long-lasting anatomical and functional defects.https://www.ejcrim.com/index.php/EJCRIM/article/view/5340bilateral temporomandibular dislocationintubationmuscle relaxation
spellingShingle Suzanne K. Veneman
Stephanie E. Veneman
Thiemo F. Veneman
Temporomandibular joint dislocation after long-term mechanical ventilation
European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
bilateral temporomandibular dislocation
intubation
muscle relaxation
title Temporomandibular joint dislocation after long-term mechanical ventilation
title_full Temporomandibular joint dislocation after long-term mechanical ventilation
title_fullStr Temporomandibular joint dislocation after long-term mechanical ventilation
title_full_unstemmed Temporomandibular joint dislocation after long-term mechanical ventilation
title_short Temporomandibular joint dislocation after long-term mechanical ventilation
title_sort temporomandibular joint dislocation after long term mechanical ventilation
topic bilateral temporomandibular dislocation
intubation
muscle relaxation
url https://www.ejcrim.com/index.php/EJCRIM/article/view/5340
work_keys_str_mv AT suzannekveneman temporomandibularjointdislocationafterlongtermmechanicalventilation
AT stephanieeveneman temporomandibularjointdislocationafterlongtermmechanicalventilation
AT thiemofveneman temporomandibularjointdislocationafterlongtermmechanicalventilation