Client Reviews

Home > Head Injury Resource Center > TMJ

Temporomandibular Joint Injury (TMJ)

A temporomandibular joint injury (TMJ) occurs at the front of the ear where the skull and the lower jaw join together. This joint provides the lower jaw with mobility and functionality. Temporomandibular joint injuries are serious in that they often involve medical attention and care from dentists and neurologists. This type of injury can be very limiting for a person since it often causes serious pain and impairment.

Common Mechanism of Injury

A direct hit to the chin while the mouth is open can cause a jaw, or temporomandibular joint, dislocation. With enough force, any portion of the lower jaw bone can be fractured, which can be extremely painful and debilitating. The most common causes of a temporomandibular joint injury include motor vehicle accidents and blunt trauma to the chin.

The most highly noted symptoms of temporomandibular joint injury are:

• jaw pain;
• muscle spasm;
• inability to either open or close mouth – jaw is "stuck", or mouth cannot open as widely as before; and
• pain with swallowing.

Treatment and Prognosis

It is typical for jaw function and appearance to return to normal after reduction of the joint if it is dislocated ("pop" the jaw back in place) and/or surgical fixation of the bone if it is fractured. However, some potential issues noticed in everyday life include intermittent jaw pain and the risk of jaw re-dislocating at some point in the future.

Guidance through the Legal Process

The personal injury law firm of Page Law is vigilant in providing effective legal counsel and representation to those seriously injured by another's negligence. Our St. Louis TMJ attorneys understand how important it is for accident injury victims to obtain compensation for hospital visits, surgery, physical therapy, lost wages, future care, and other damages. To find out how we can assist you with your case, call us today at (314) 322-8515.

Missouri Injury Resource Center

• Abdominal Compartment Syndrome
• Blunt Splenic Injury
• Blunt Hepatic Injury
• Blunt Pancreatic Injury

• Blunt Hollow Viscus Injury
• Blunt Urinary Tract Injury
• Blunt Abdominal Vessel Trauma
• Blunt Pelvic Trauma

• Cervical Spinal Injury
• Lumbar Disk Herniation
• Lumbar Muscle Injury
• Penetrating Spinal Cord Injury

• Prior Back Problems
• Thoracolumbar Spinal Injuries
• Vertebral Fracture

• Blunt Aortic Injury
• Blunt Cardiac Trauma
• Blunt Thoracic Great Vessel Trauma
• Esophageal Trauma
• Flail Chest
• Hemothorax
• Penetrating Cardiac Trauma

• Penetrating Lung Injury
• Pneumothorax
• Pulmonary Contusion
• Rib Fractures
• Smoke Inhalation
• Tracheal Injury
• Traumatic Diaphragmatic Injury

• Muscle Crush Injury
• Muscle Strain Tear
• Skin Lacerations and Avulsions
• Traumatic Amputation
• Tendon Rupture

• First Degree Burn
• Second Degree Burn
• Third Degree Burn
• Trauma in Pregnancy

• Hand Fracture

• Hand Laceration

• Anoxic Brain Injury
• Cerebral Hemorrhage & Hematoma
• Concussion
• Diffuse Axonal Injury

• Facial Fractures
• Injury from Airbag Deployment
• Penetrating Brain Injury
• TMJ Injury

• Ligament Injury
• Meniscus Injury

• Patellar Fracture & Dislocation

• Ankle Fracture
• Hip Dislocation

• Knee Dislocation

• Clavicle Dislocation
• Clavicular Fracture
• Rotator Cuff Tears

• Scapular Dislocation
• Scapular Fracture
• Shoulder Dislocation