Reduction of manually irreducible TMJ dislocation with Forceps Traction: Case report in a 60-year-old woman

Chronic protracted TMJ dislocation refers to a condition in which the joint is displaced from its articulation and fixated in that position (open locked) without reduction. The Hippocratic Manoeuvre is usually unsuccessful with a high failure rate, making treatment of this condition very challenging. This article reports a case of TMJ dislocation not amenable to traditional closed reduction method but which was successfully treated using direct application of reduction forceps on the angle of the mandible. The technical aspects of the procedure and post-operative management were also highlighted.