Diseases of the temporomandibular joint

Abstract

As many as one third of the population have a temporomandibular disorder, such as clicking jaw joint, occasional locking of the jaw, deviations in jaw movement, or masticatory muscle or temporomandibular joint pain. Limited mouth opening and occlusal alterations are found in approx. 5% of cases. Clinical examination is essential, in difficult cases the diagnosis can be confirmed by arthroscopy. Muscular and arthropathic symptoms can usually be treated by noninvasive and reversible means. In milder cases the treatment can be carried out arthroscopically, whereas surgical treatment is always required in severe cases of arthrosis and ankylosis.