Mandibular and Temporomandibular Joint InjuriesCase 3

A 65-year-old man presents to the ED with a sudden onset of pain in his mandible and an inability to close his mouth. He has noticed increased clicking in his TMJs on extreme mouth opening over the past few months. On examination he has bilateral anterior dislocations of the TMJ; x-ray confirms this with no evidence of fracture. You decide to reduce his dislocations.

What is the correct procedure for a posterior approach technique for reduction of the dislocations in this case?

Select the appropriate step position from the drop down menus.

You successfully reduce the patient’s TMJ dislocation. A follow-up maxillofacial clinic appointment is made.

State any two specific discharge instructions that you would give to the patient to prevent further dislocation of the TMJ in the immediate post–reduction period.