A new study in Anaesthesia Progress reported on a new method to treat dislocation of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ or TM Joint). The technique is to do a deep temporal nerve block with lidocaine to reduce muscle spasm The entire study "Use of Masserteric and Deep Temporoal Nerve Blocks for Reduction of Mandibular Dislocation" is available at www.anaesthesiaprogress.org.
An alternative method that I frequently use for patients is to induce instantaneous muscle relaxation of elevator muscles via a gag reflex. This will frequently cause an immediate reduction of an acute close lock dislocation.
