dislocation of the jaw [L, dis, apart, locare, to place; ME, jowe] , unilateral or bilateral displacement of the mandibular condyle(s) from the mandibular fossa(e) over the articular tubercle(s) of the temporal bone, typically as a result of a blow, a fall, intubation, or yawning, accompanied by severe muscle spasms. The mandible is fixed in an open position. If the mandible appears deviated to one side, the dislocation involves only one side. The dislocation is reduced manually, with or without anesthetic sedation, and the possible use of a short-acting skeletal muscle relaxant. This is an extremely stressful and painful condition.
