Jaw Dislocation Resulting from Tetany; Case report

Abstract

Calcium plays a critical role in cellular functions, neural transmission, membrane stabilization, bone structure, blood coagulation and intracellular signaling. The condition in which the ionized calcium level in the plasma is below 4.2 mg/dl is called hypocalcemia. Tetany is one of the most important clinical presentations of severe hypocalcemia. Temperomandibular joint dislocations can result from various causes including drugs, trauma, dental and airway related interventions. We present a case of jaw dislocation resulting from a hypocalcemia related tetany, which developed as a late complication of a thyroidectomy operation.