Sir, I read, with interest, the article 'Reduction of temporomandibular joint dislocation: an ancient technique that has stood the test of time' (BDJ 2015; 218: 691–693).

I have spent the last 30 years treating patients with TMD and many years ago came across a small pocket-sized book entitled 'Complete domestic medicine. A treatise on the prevention and cure of diseases by regimen and simple medicines.' This was written in 1849 by William Buchan, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh.

In the section entitled 'Dislocation of the jaw' is written the following:

'The usual method of reducing a dislocated jaw is to sit the patient on a low stool so the assistant may hold the head pressing it against her breast. The operator then thrusts his two thumbs wrapped first in linen as far back in the patient's mouth as he can. After he has hold of the jaw, he is to press strongly downwards and backwards so the elapsed heads of the jaw may be easily pushed into their former cavities.'

This continues, however, to state 'The peasants in some parts have a peculiar way of performing this operation. One of them puts a handkerchief under the patient's chin, turns his back to that of the patient and pulls him up by the chin so as to suspend him from the floor. This method often succeeds but we think it is a dangerous one so we recommend the former.'

Although tempted, I have never had the courage to test this method myself – I am not sure my protection society would be overjoyed.

1. Cheshire