Description of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD - also commonly referred to as TMJ Disease) is a collective term used to describe pain and dysfunction related to the masticatory muscles (myofacial pain dysfunction), and disorders specific to the temporomandibular joint complex, including articular disk disorders, hypomobility disorders (joint ankylosis), degenerative joint diseases (osteoarthritis), and hypermobility disorders (dislocations and chronic subluxations).
Diagnosis is made through a systematic approach including comprehensive patient history, clinical examination, radiographs, arthrography, MRI, or CT scan and often a trial of therapy.
TMJ surgical treatments generally include:
- Arthrocentesis: lavage and flushing out of the TMJ joint with saline and steroids
- Arthroscopy: using an arthroscope to view the internal status of the TMJ joint
- Arthroplasty: operative procedure performed in which the arthritic or dysfunctional joint surface is replaced with something better or by remodeling or realigning the joint by osteotomy and/or fixation
- Arthrotomy: incision of the TMJ joint
- Repair of TMJ dislocation or of fracture within the components of the TMJ
- Interdental wire fixation.
- Artificial prosthetic joint replacement (FDA approved) for:
- Acute closed lock.
- Bony or fibrous ankylosis which significantly restricts function.
- Recurrent or persistent dislocations.
- Advanced degenerative joint disease with pain and/or limited function.
Healthy TMJ Joint
Diseased TMJ Joint
