Question

A patient presents with limited mouth opening of 25 mm due to pain. There is no complain of clicking sound or mouth deviation when he opens his mouth. The patient is unable to completely close his mouth with teeth clenched together. What is the MOST likely diagnosis based on the patient symptoms?

A. Hypomobility
B. Disc displacement with reduction
C. Synovitis
D. Capsulitis

Answer 1

The patient with limited mouth opening, pain, and inability to fully close mouth is most likely suffering from a dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), rather than other TMJ disorders.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the patient's symptoms of having limited mouth opening (25 mm) due to pain, with no clicking sound or deviation on opening and an inability to completely close the mouth with teeth clenched together, the most likely diagnosis is dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Dislocation can occur from opening the mouth too wide or from a blow to the jaw, causing the mandibular condyle to move anterior to the articular tubercle, hence preventing mouth closure. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) encapsulate various conditions, from arthritis and muscle fatigue to articular disc damage and trauma, that result in TMJ pain, chewing difficulty and can culminate in lock jaw.