Sandbox

Dislocation Type	Mechanism	Additional Comments	Associated with fracture	Examples
Anterior
Posterior
Lateral
Superior

Background

Sagittal section of the articulation of the mandible.

Anterior Dislocation

• Most common dislocation
• Mandibular condyle forced in front of the articular eminence
• Risk factors:
  • Prior dislocation
  • Weak or lax capsule
  • Ligamentous injury
• Often occurs spontaneously while patient is yawning, "popping" ears, or laughing

Posterior Dislocation

• Follows a blow to the mandible that may or may not break the condylar neck
• Condylar head may prolapse into the external auditory canal

Lateral Dislocation

• Often associated with mandibular fracture

Superior Dislocation

• Occur from blow to the partially opened mouth
• Associated with cerebral contusions, facial nerve palsy, deafness