Temporomandibular Joint

TMJ Degeneration: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications Degenerative disease of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex, multifactorial process involving mechanical overload, inflammation, and biochemical degradation of joint tissues. At the molecular level, enzymatic breakdown of extracellular matrix components and cytokine-mediated inflammation play central roles in the progression of TMJ degeneration. Understanding these mechanisms is

Dermal Grafts in TMJ Discectomy: Clinical Outcomes and Limitations The use of dermal interpositional grafts following temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discectomy has been proposed as a method to improve joint function, reduce pain, and prevent degenerative changes after disc removal. However, current clinical evidence suggests that dermal graft placement offers limited advantages over discectomy alone. Understanding

Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis: Classification and Clinical Significance Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a debilitating condition characterized by restriction of mandibular movement due to fibrous or bony fusion of the joint components. It may result from trauma, infection, inflammatory disease, or prior TMJ surgery and can lead to significant functional, esthetic, and airway-related complications if left

Wilkes Classification for Internal Derangement of the TMJ The Wilkes Classification is a widely accepted clinical and radiographic staging system used to describe internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It correlates clinical symptoms, disk position, joint mechanics, and degenerative changes, providing a framework for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning. Internal derangement of the TMJ

Prosthetic Temporomandibular Joints: Materials, Design, and Clinical Considerations Total temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement is an established reconstructive option for patients with end-stage joint disease, ankylosis, failed autogenous grafts, inflammatory arthropathies, or multiple prior TMJ surgeries. Modern prosthetic TMJ systems are designed to restore mandibular function, improve pain, and provide long-term joint stability using durable biomaterials

TMJ Disc Displacement: Types, Frequency, and Clinical Significance Disc displacement is a central feature of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement and is commonly evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Multiple patterns of disc displacement have been described in symptomatic TMJs, but clinical and imaging studies consistently show that only a small number of displacement types

TMJ arthrocentesis is based on the hydraulic pressure created by a lavage solution to remove inflammatory mediators and degradation products present in the synovial fluid, decrease the negative pressure within the joint, and break intra-articular adhesions formed between the mandibular fossa and the articular disc Tragal-lateral canthus line (Holmlund-Hellsing line) is a line from the

Arthrokinetic Reflex: Definition, Mechanism, and Clinical Relevance The arthrokinetic reflex is an important orthopedic and neuromuscular concept that explains the relationship between joint mechanics and muscle activity. In the context of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, this reflex helps explain why internal derangement of the joint can lead to muscle spasm, pain, and dysfunction—and why these

Condylotomy has been shown to work most favorably in cases of anterior disc displacement, especially in the setting of disc displacement with reduction. Modified condylotomy can effect disc reduction and alter favorably the natural course of internal derangement in reducing disc displacement A posteriorly directed osteotomy is more likely to be associated with excessive condylar