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Jaw - broken or dislocated - Overview

Alternative Names

Dislocated jaw; Fractured jaw; Broken jaw; TMJ dislocation

Definition of Jaw - broken or dislocated:

A broken jaw is a break in the jaw bone. A dislocated jaw means the lower part of the jaw has moved out of its normal position at one or both joints where the jaw bone connects to the skull (temporomandibular joints).

Considerations:

A broken or dislocated jaw usually heals completely after treatment. However, the jaw may become dislocated again in the future.

Complications may include:

  • Airway blockage
  • Bleeding
  • Breathing blood or food into the lungs
  • Difficulty eating (temporary)
  • Difficulty talking (temporary)
  • Infection of the jaw or face
  • Jaw joint (TMJ) pain and other problems
  • Problems aligning the teeth

Causes:

The most common cause of a broken or dislocated jaw is injury to the face. This may be due to:

  • Assault
  • Industrial accident
  • Motor vehicle accident
  • Recreational or sports injury
  • Reviewed last on: 6/4/2011
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Herrmann HJ. Wilderness dentistry and management of facial injuries. In: Auerbach PS, ed. Wilderness Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 26.

Kellman RM. Maxillofacial trauma. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010:chap 23.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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