Abstract Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is uncommon in the pediatric population but clinically significant because of its potential impact on mandibular growth and function. It may be congenital or acquired, traumatic or atraumatic, and requires prompt diagnosis and management. This report presents a range of clinical scenarios of pediatric TMJ dislocation across age groups, highlighting diagnostic considerations, treatment modalities, and outcomes. Four pediatric cases with differing etiologies—two traumatic fracture-associated and two atraumatic—were evaluated and managed using conservative and surgical approaches. The diagnosis was based on clinical features and radiologic imaging, including computed tomography and an orthopantomogram. Two adolescent patients with traumatic dislocation and associated fractures required open reduction with intermaxillary fixation and achieved complete functional recovery. A 4-year-old child with atraumatic bilateral dislocation following crying was successfully managed using the syringe rolling method. In contrast, an 11-year-old boy with vomiting-induced dislocation was treated manually with the Hippocratic technique and chin-cup support. All patients demonstrated stable occlusion and normal mandibular motion on follow-up. Early diagnosis, appropriate conservative or surgical reduction, and preventive measures ensured favourable outcomes. Multidisciplinary management and age-specific interventions are essential to restore function and prevent recurrence in pediatric TMJ dislocation.
Panda et al. (Wed,) studied this question.