Use of masseteric and deep temporal nerve blocks for reduction of mandibular dislocation.

A patient presented with a unilateral dislocated condyle that was resistant to reduction by simple manual manipulation because of elevator muscle spasm and severe muscle and temporomandibular joint pain. A technique involving a masseteric nerve block and a temporal nerve block was used, allowing a quick, safe, and minimally painful reduction. The method used for delivering these nerve blocks is described here.