Issue 076
June 2011
Unless you fancy sucking your lunch and dinner through a straw then look after your jaw – after all, it’s keeping your teeth in place!
Dr Rosi Sexton
Pro fighter & sports therapist
Rosi Sexton is a pro fighter, sports therapist and registered osteopath. She can be contacted via her web page www.rosisexton.com.
What happens?
The lower jaw, or mandible, is the U-shaped bone which forms the chin and holds the lower set of teeth. It is attached to the upper part of the skull by two joints (one on either side), called the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). These are just in front of your ears.
Jaw injuries are relatively common because of the bone’s prominent position. They are usually the result of blunt facial trauma and in MMA this is most often a deliberate punch, kick, elbow or knee to the face.
Common jaw injuries include fractures of the mandible and dislocations of the temporomandibular joints. Some people are especially prone to TMJ dislocation and in these cases it can occur with very little trauma – for example when yawning.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of a jaw fracture or dislocation include:
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty opening or closing the jaw
- Teeth not fitting together well when you bite
- Numbness in the chin or lower lip
- Ear pain
- Bleeding or severe bruising in the mouth or under the tongue
- Difficulty breathing, chewing, swallowing or talking.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, or have any other signs of head injury then seek emergency medical advice and treatment.
Who has it happened to?
Rafael Dos Anjos had his jaw fractured in several places early in his fight with Clay Guida at UFC 117. He fought on, but was finally forced to tap out in the third round. He had surgery several days later.
Kim Couture, the ex-wife of MMA legend Randy Couture, had her jaw fractured in the first exchange of her pro debut against Kim Rose. She fought on for the full three rounds to lose by decision.
Early reports suggested that Forrest Griffin had suffered a fractured or dislocated jaw and temporary hearing loss in his KO loss to Anderson Silva at UFC 101, and that this was the reason for his swift departure from the cage following the fight. Although the extent of his injuries was later played down by his team who denied that his jaw had been broken.
Treatment
If you suspect a jaw fracture or dislocation, then go to your local hospital for immediate medical advice. NEVER attempt to put the jaw back into place yourself, as this may cause further damage.
The first step will be to get X-rays or a CT scan to check for fractures.
If the injury is a dislocation, with no fracture, then it is often possible for a doctor to put the jaw back into place. You’ll probably have to avoid contact to the head and eat only soft food for a month or two.
For a fracture, you may or may not need surgery depending on where the fracture is and whether the bones are out of position (displaced). If the fracture is displaced, then surgery will probably be needed to avoid future problems with the alignment of the jaw. This may involve the use of wires, screws or plates to hold the jaw in the correct position.
Sometimes, the jaw needs to be wired in a fixed position while it heals. This can mean living on a liquid diet through a straw for up to six weeks! Physiotherapy may also be recommended following the operation.
What serious or long-term problems can it cause?
Occasionally, a serious fracture may cause damage to one or more of the nerves in the area, leading to numbness or (very rarely) paralysis of some of the facial muscles.
An untreated jaw fracture can lead to problems with malocclusion. This is where the teeth are misaligned and don’t fit together correctly as you bite.
Jaw trauma can also result in damage to the TMJs or supporting ligaments. This can result in pain, clicking or ‘popping’ of the joint when opening and closing the mouth. Following damage, these joints may also be more susceptible to arthritis later in life. If you suffer from ongoing jaw pain, then it may be worth consulting a dentist or osteopath who specializes in the treatment of TMJ disorders.
How long can a fighter with this injury expect to be sidelined for?
On average, the healing time for a broken jaw is around six to eight weeks. This will vary depending on the extent of the damage, whether surgery was needed and the type or procedure used.
PRO TIP
Prevention
Wearing a mouthguard significantly reduces your chance of damaging your jaw. You should always use one for both training and competition, whether or not striking is involved.
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