Mandibular and Temporomandibular Joint Injuries Case 1

  1. 1. Question

    A 24-year-old man attends the ED complaining of pain in his jaw following an assault this evening. You ascertain from his partner, who has come to the ED with him, that he wasn’t knocked out and hasn’t vomited since the assault. He is also normally fit and well and there is no history of connective tissue disease.

    Match the following findings on examination to the likely associated problem.

    Select the correct diagnosis from the drop down list.

    Sort elements
    • Bilateral anterior TMJ dislocation
    • Open mandibular fracture
    • Unilateral TMJ dislocation
    • Injury to the mental nerve
    • Fracture of the tympanic plate
    • Mandibular condyle fracture
    • Asymmetrical or tilted mouth
      • Gum mucosa laceration
        • Injury to the point of the chin
          • Numbness of the lower lip and chin
            • Open mouth that cannot be closed
              • Bleeding from the ear
              • 2. Question

                You decide to conduct a tongue blade test on the patient to help to rule out a mandibular fracture.

                Describe how you go about performing this test and outline what represents a positive test.