Iatrogenic Dislocation of the Temporomandibular Joint due to General Anaesthesia

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(1,2). This is a case report of a post-intubation complication of TMJ dislocation.