Temporomandibular joint

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint of the jaw and is frequently referred to as TMJ. The TMJ is a bilateral synovial articulation between the mandible and the temporal bone. The name of the joint is derived from the two bones which form the joint: the upper temporal bone which is part of the cranium (skull), and the lower jawbone or mandible.

Anatomy

The parts of the bones that interact in the joint are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which keeps the movement smooth. Pain in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint is the most common symptom. The pain may be sharp and searing, occurring each time you swallow, yawn, talk, or chew, or it may be dull and constant. It hurts over the joint, immediately in front of the ear, but pain can also radiate elsewhere.

Function

The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints in the body. Its complex structure and unique biomechanics mean that disorders can arise from a number of causes. TMJ dysfunction is not uncommon and is typically caused by stress, overuse, or trauma to the joint.

Disorders

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD or TMJD) is an umbrella term covering pain and dysfunction of the muscles of mastication (the muscles that move the jaw) and the temporomandibular joints (the joints which connect the mandible to the skull). The most important feature is pain, followed by restricted mandibular movement, and noises from the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) during jaw movement.

Treatment

Treatment for TMJ disorders can range from self-care practices and conservative treatments to injections and surgery. Most healthcare professionals agree that treatment should begin with conservative, non-drug therapies and progress to more invasive treatment options as necessary.

See also

• Mandible
• Skull
• Jaw
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Temporomandibular joint Resources
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