Presentation
Fell of push bike onto jaw on the left.
Patient Data
No fractures of the mandible are seen. Temporomandibular joints alignment appear satisfactory. CT facial bones can be considered if there is high suspicion of a fracture or dislocation clinically.
The left temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is anteriorly dislocated. No fractures are identified.
Case Discussion
The diagnosis of TMJ dislocation is made clinically but imaging is often requested to exclude associated fractures, especially in the setting of trauma.
This case highlights that an OPG is not very specific for dislocations, and a CT should be requested instead in the setting of trauma to assess for dislocations, fractures or other injuries.
In this particular case, pt underwent manual relocation with IV analgesia uneventfully.