Emergency Notes

Academic Life in Emergency Medicine: Trick of the Trade: Massaging a mandibular dislocation back in

1. Massage the masseter muscles before and during the procedure
2. Apply rotational force (rather than downward and posterior force) on Mandibular ramus

The rotational approach to reduction is similar to the wrist pivot method described in the Journal of Emergency Medicine; Lowery LE, Beeson MS, Lum KK. The wrist pivot method, a novel technique for temporomandibular joint reduction. J Emerg Med. 2004 Aug;27(2):167-70. Pubmed