Unsuspected temporomandibular joint pathology leading to a difficult endotracheal intubation.

A 40-yr-old woman with an unremarkable medical history and no prior surgeries presented for ambulatory surgery. Physical examination revealed normal jaw opening. On induction of general anesthesia, her jaw was found to be locked in a nearly closed position. We discuss anesthetic considerations and the pathology of temporomandibular joint anterior disk dislocation without reduction. A simple maneuver to reduce the dislocation is described.