Jaw, broken or
dislocated
Alternative names:
dislocated jaw;
fractured jaw; injury to the jaw or mouth
Definition:
A facial injury
that results in the jaw bone breaking or moving out of position.
Considerations:
A broken or dislocated
jaw usually heals completely after treatment. Recurrence of
a dislocated jaw is common.
Complications may include:
Common causes:
- A broken or
dislocated jaw is a common facial injury. The jaw (mandible)
is the only mobile bone of the face (it holds the lower
teeth). The term "upper jaw" sometimes also refers to the
bone that extends from the upper teeth to the eyes (maxilla).
The mandible is connected to the temporal bone of the skull
by a hinged joint located in front of the ears (temporomandibular
joint). Strong muscles extend from the mandible to the skull.
- A dislocated
jaw occurs when the mandible is displaced from one or both
of the temporomandibular (TMJ)
joints. Fractures (breaks
in the bone) of the mandible may occur at the site of injury
and on the opposite side of the jaw. If the upper jaw bone
(maxilla) is also fractured, the trauma may have been severe
enough to involve multiple areas of the face, neck, and
back.
- The most common
cause of broken or dislocated jaw is accident or trauma
involving a blow to the face. This may be the result of
a motor vehicle accident, industrial accident, recreational/sports
injury, or other accident. It may also result from assault.
Update Date: 10/08/99
Updated by: adam.com editorial
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