Palakkad, Kerala, October 19, 2025 – A 24-year-old passenger aboard the Kanniyakumari–Dibrugarh Vivek Express (Train No. 22503) experienced a sudden temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation mid-journey yesterday. Thanks to the prompt intervention of Dr. Jithin P.S., Divisional Medical Officer at Palakkad Railway Hospital, the traveler received immediate care at Palakkad Junction and safely continued his journey.
The incident unfolded as the superfast Vivek Express traversed Kerala’s Palakkad division. The passenger’s jaw dislocation caused visible distress, prompting fellow travelers to alert the onboard crew. Railway staff swiftly coordinated with station authorities, ensuring Dr. Jithin reached the platform upon the train’s arrival.
After a quick assessment, he successfully managed the dislocation on-site, stabilizing the passenger without requiring hospital transfer. The young man resumed his 4,000-kilometer journey with minimal delay.
Temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation, or mandibular dislocation, can present as bilateral or unilateral displacement of the mandibular condyle from the articular surface of the temporal bone.
This condition can cause pain, difficulty closing the mouth, and drooling. Anterior dislocations, as likely experienced by the passenger, are the most common and can often be resolved with manual reduction by a trained professional, as demonstrated by Dr. Jithin’s swift action. If untreated, TMJ dislocations may lead to chronic issues or recurrent dislocations, emphasizing the need for timely intervention.
Southern Railway shared a video on social media, praising the seamless teamwork between onboard staff and the medical unit. “Timely medical support at Palakkad Junction helped a passenger overcome a jaw dislocation and get back on track." Eyewitnesses described the crew’s quick response, with one passenger stating, “The staff acted instantly, and the doctor’s expertise resolved the situation efficiently.”
Railway officials reaffirmed their focus on passenger safety. “Our medical teams and staff are prepared to manage emergencies, ensuring safe travel across our network,” a Southern Railway spokesperson said. The passenger’s identity remains confidential to protect his privacy.
Reference:
1. Hillam, Jeffery, and Blake Isom. “Mandible Dislocation.” StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, 2025–. Last updated July 24, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549809/.
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