Context

Fractures of the mandible are the second most common facial fractures seen in the ED, after nasal fractures. In one large series they accounted for 45% of all facial fractures. Interpersonal violence is the most frequent cause of mandibular fractures with falls and road traffic accidents as the other common causes ⁽¹⁾.

Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an infrequent presentation to the ED⁽²⁾. Approximately 90% of all cases are bilateral and anterior. The most common cause found in one survey was excessive mouth opening whilst yawning⁽³⁾.