Iatrogenic Dislocation of the Temporomandibular Joint due to General Anaesthesia

Abstract Background: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a modified hinge joint with the condyle of the mandible resting in a shallow glenoid fossa, predisposing it to be easily dislocated without extreme force. Anterior dislocation of TMJ is the most common type of dislocation. It can occur due to excessive opening of the mouth, trauma, or seizures. Iatrogenic cases of TMJ dislocation have been reported with 5% incidence during anaesthesia induction, intubation, and upper endoscopic procedures and surgical procedure performed on remote areas of the body (1,2). However, it has not been reported while the surgeon working around the head & neck area. In this case report while the surgeon operating on face, the dislocation of TMJ was missed or not identified in the immediate post operative period. Case Presentation: This is a case report of 23 years old female in which post-intubation complication of TMJ dislocation occurred while the patient had facial surgery. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of iatrogenic TMJ dislocation is required to prevent delays in treatment, whether the surgery in the head & neck region or remote area.