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Posterior dislocation of the mandible: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Posterior dislocations of the lower jaw occur as a result of a blow to the chin at the moment of slight jaw abduction, during the removal of the lower molars with great force, during convulsive yawning. As a result, the head of the lower jaw is installed between the mandibular fossa and the mastoid process of the temporal bone, under the lower wall of the bony part of the auditory tube.
Sometimes, the anterior (bony) wall of the external auditory canal is broken, which is manifested by the following symptoms:
- jaw reduction;
- inability to open the mouth;
- posterior displacement of the chin;
- disruption of contact between opposing molars due to the lower incisors resting against the mucous membrane of the hard palate. In macroglossia, posterior dislocation can lead to tongue retraction and difficulty breathing.
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Method of eliminating posterior dislocation of the jaw
The thumbs are inserted into the vestibule of the mouth and placed on the outer surface of the alveolar processes at the wisdom teeth and on the oblique lines of the lower jaw. The remaining fingers grasp the body of the jaw. By pressing the thumbs downwards and moving the lower jaw forward, the articular heads are set in the correct position. After the dislocation has been eliminated, an immobilizing bandage is used for 2.5-3 weeks.
Treatment outcomes are usually favorable, in some cases some stiffness in the joint remains, usually eliminated by physiotherapy and mechanotherapy of the joint. Sometimes it is necessary to resort to arthroplasty due to the developed ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint.