Dislocation of the mandible during the course of cataract surgery
Moore, C.A.; Ellis, B.
Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers 29(3): 251-252
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 1082-3069 PMID: 9547783 Document Number: 497782
Spontaneous dislocation of the mandible is a well-described clinical entity with which the ophthalmologist may not be familiar. However, the widespread use of intravenous sedation places susceptible individuals at risk for the development of dislocation of the mandible. The authors describe a patient who underwent routine cataract surgery and suffered a dislocation of the mandible that initially went unrecognized. Ophthalmic surgeons who use intravenous sedation need to be aware of this complication and need to recognize the symptoms so that patients may receive timely attention.