Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema associated with temporomandibular joint surgery.

Pneumomediastinum may occur as a result of trauma or surgery of the head and neck. It has been reported in association with various dental procedures and with a variety of maxillofacial surgical procedures. However, this potentially life-threatening problem has not previously been reported in association with temporomandibular joint surgery. This report reviews two cases of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema occurring in association with temporomandibular joint surgery and presents an overview of the dental and medical literature concerning this phenomenon occurring in association with injuries and treatment of the maxillofacial complex.