Jaw, broken or dislocated
Alternative names:
dislocated jaw; fractured jaw; injury to the jaw or mouth
First aid:
Note: A broken or dislocated jaw is an acute
condition that requires prompt examination by the health care
provider because of the risk of breathing
difficulty or profuse bleeding.
A tube may need to be inserted into the airway (endotracheal
tube) if breathing difficulty or profuse bleeding is present,
or if swelling of the face
is severe and breathing difficulty is likely to develop. The
jaw should be supported during transportation to the emergency
room. This is most easily accomplished by holding the jaw
gently in the hands.
Dislocated jaw:
The goal of treatment is proper positioning of the jaw hinged
ball (condyle) within the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Manual manipulation by the health care provider may replace
the condyle into the TMJ. The thumbs are placed behind the
back teeth on both sides of the mouth and the mandible is
pressed downward firmly.
Anesthetics (local or general) may be required to allow the
strong jaw muscles to relax enough for manipulation of the
jaw.
Stabilization of the joint may be required. This usually involves
bandaging the jaw to keep the mouth from opening widely.
Surgical stabilization of the joint may be required, particularly
if repeated jaw dislocations occur.
The mouth should not be opened widely for at least 6 weeks
after dislocation. The
jaw should be supported by one or both hand(s) during motions
such as yawning and sneezing
to prevent excessive strain
on the temporomandibular joint.
Fractured jaw:
The goal of treatment is proper alignment of the jaw bone.
Temporary immobilization of the bone by bandaging the jaw
or immobilizing the jaw with the hands may reduce pain.
If the fracture is minor,
no treatment may be required other than analgesics
for discomfort.
Soft food may minimize pain when chewing.
Surgery is often required for moderate to severe fractures,
to align and immobilize the bone so that it can heal.
The jaw may be wired to the teeth of the opposite jaw to improve
stability. Jaw wires are usually left in place for six to
eight weeks.The wires are used to hold metal bands with small
blunt hooks (archbars) to the teeth. Small rubber bands (elastics)
are used to hold the teeth together. After a few weeks of
complete immobilization of the jaw, some of the elastics are
removed to allow motion and reduce stiffness of the TMJ.
If the jaw is wired, only liquid or very soft foods can be
eaten. A wire cutter should be available so that if the person
vomits or chokes, the jaw can be opened to prevent aspiration
into the lungs. If the wires must be cut, consult the health
care provider promptly so that the wires can be replaced.
Do not:
- DO NOT attempt to relocate the jaw.
- DO NOT move a person with a dislocated jaw unless they
are in danger
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:
Update Date: 10/08/99
Updated by: adam.com editorial
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