JAW INJURY
(TMJ INJURY)

In sports, players can hurt their jaw by getting hit with an elbow, a ball, or punches in boxing or martial arts. Sometimes, these injuries are not treated immediately, but they can be significant.

Car accidents can also hurt the jaw or temporomandibular complex. This can happen if someone hits their jaw directly if an airbag deploys or their neck snaps forward, like in a whiplash. If the jaw is hit so hard that it breaks, there are almost always other associated injuries.

Bike accidents can lead to jaw injuries and fractures too. Even though bike helmets help protect our heads, they can also make jaw injuries more likely. This is because the helmet puts more pressure on the jaw during an accident.

Sometimes people intentionally hurt each other, which can also lead to jaw injuries. In fights, the jaw is the facial bone that breaks the most. One punch can be as harmful as many punches. Women who face domestic violence also have a higher chance of having TMD or jaw problems.

Falls can lead to jaw breaks, whether by accident or during a fight. In some cities, falls are the main reason people break their jaws. If someone falls and breaks their jaw, they might have been drinking alcohol. About 33% of jaw injuries from falls are directly related to alcohol or drug use. And nearly half of people who are attacked and physically assaulted, resulting in a fall, also suffer from jaw injuries.

We use imaging studies to see if the jaw is broken. These studies evaluate jaw fracture, disc displacement, and TMJ disorder. If the imaging shows that the jaw is okay, but the person still feels pain, we can start comprehensive conservative management for acute TMJ injury.

Jaw trauma accounts for about 15% of all emergency room visits. A comprehensive exam of the temporomandibular complex should be performed when dental fractures are seen. Conservative measures should be started if any signs of TMJ injury are present.

When treating jaw injuries that aren’t fractures, it’s best to use a comprehensive treatment approach. This is because someone might have long-term jaw pain for many reasons, including arthropathies, ankylosis, and myofascial pain disorders. The goal is to fix the problem before it gets worse. This includes treating inflammation, muscle problems, and pain.

Since multiple targets may help prevent chronic TMD development, a multimodal approach to therapy is optimal.

Starting treatment as soon as injury or pain occurs is very important. The best time to start is right after the injury, up to 4 weeks later. Promptly starting treatment gives the best chance to prevent long-term jaw problems.