Differential Diagnosis for Jaw Injury with Popping Sound

• Single most likely diagnosis:
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation or subluxation: This is the most likely diagnosis given the history of trauma to the jaw and the symptom of a popping sound when opening the mouth. The force from the kick could have caused the joint to become misaligned, leading to the popping sound as the joint moves back into place.
• Other Likely diagnoses:
  • TMJ sprain or strain: The trauma could have caused injury to the ligaments or muscles surrounding the TMJ, leading to pain and the popping sound.
  • Mandibular fracture: A fracture to the jawbone could cause abnormal movement and sounds when opening the mouth.
  • Disk displacement of the TMJ: The kick could have caused the disk within the TMJ to become displaced, leading to the popping sound as the jaw moves.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses:
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak: Although less likely, a severe blow to the jaw could potentially cause a fracture that leads to a CSF leak, which is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
  • Vascular injury: Injury to the blood vessels in the face or neck could occur from the trauma and might not be immediately apparent, but could lead to serious complications if not addressed.
• Rare diagnoses:
  • Osteonecrosis of the jaw: This is a rare condition where the bone tissue dies due to lack of blood supply, which could potentially occur after a severe trauma to the jaw.
  • Synovial chondromatosis of the TMJ: A rare condition where cartilage grows in the joint, potentially causing clicking or popping sounds, although this would be less directly related to the acute trauma.