Unified hands technique for mandibular dislocation.

BACKGROUND

The conventional approach to mandibular dislocation involves intraoral bilateral inferior-posterior downward force on the patient's molar occlusal surfaces.

DISCUSSION/TECHNIQUE: The unified hands technique is a new method for reducing a mandibular dislocation. The technique involves intraoral unilateral application of both hands on the side of the dislocated mandible. This maneuver was successful in reducing a mandibular dislocation refractory to the traditional method of intraoral bilateral inferior-posterior downward force on the patient's molar occlusal surface.

CONCLUSION

The technique described may be useful for the emergent reduction of mandibular dislocations when traditional methods fail.