Subluxation (TMJ disorder)

Partial TMJ dislocation = Subluxation

1. Mohammed A. Alawad

2. Luxation Sub-luxation

5. A clinical condition withrepeated episodesofPARTIALdislocationof
theTMJwhere there is abnormalanteriorexcursionof thecondylebeyond
thearticular eminence

6. Subluxation in simple words can be explained asslipping of the condyle
from its socket. The condition may involve the TMJ on one or both the sides.
It is a incomplete dislocation of the jaw which generally
followsstretchingof theligamentsand thecapsulesurrounding the TMJ.

7. The condition can be unilateral or bilateral in nature. It is usually accompanied by:
caused by temporary locking of thecondyle
of the jaws.
while opening the mouth.
is generally associated withcomplete opening of the mouth.
The repeated attack of dislocation is common on prolonged mouth opening or stretching.After
each subsequent attack ofsubluxation, there is further stretching of the joint capsulewhich
aggravates the conditionand leads to further recurrence.

8. —The major cause oftemporomandibularsubluxationisinjuries to the
capsulesurrounding the joint or the ligaments aiding in joint
movements.
It is also seen in:
•Severe Epilepsy
•Dystrophiamyotonica(musclesreduction)
•Ehlers-Danlossyndrome. (a group of genetic connective tissue
disorders. symptoms includeloose joints)

9. —Prolonged dental appointmentswith long continuous opening of mouth can be
one of thetriggering factorsfortemporomandibularsubluxation.
—Regular day to day activities such as:
•Yawning
•Singing
•Laughing
• Vomiting
•Sleeping on one arm in bed can trigger the dislocation.

10. PETERSON'SPRINCIPLES OFORAL
ANDMAXILLOFACIALSURGERY 2ndEdition
page 912-918

11. End