Management of middle meningeal and superficial temporal artery hemorrhage from total temporomandibular joint replacement surgery with a gelatin-based hemostatic agent

Complications associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement surgery may include injury to nerves, blood vessels, and otologic structures. Vascular injuries can be associated with trauma to the carotid artery and its terminal branches, the superficial temporal artery, and the internal maxillary artery. Suggested management to control hemorrhage has included uni- and bipolar electrocautery, laser ablation, local anesthetics with vasoconstrictors, direct pressure, embolization, and ligation. In this case report, the iatrogenic injury to both the middle meningeal and superficial temporal arteries during total TMJ replacement surgery controlled by using a gelatin-based hemostatic agent is discussed.