TEMPORO-MANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS AND MANAGEMENT

The Temporo-mandibular Joint (TMJ) is a complex ginglymo-arthrodial joint enabling Mastication Speech and Swallowing. Disorders affecting this joint and the masticatory muscles are termed Temporo-mandibular Disorders (TMDs) the most common source of Non-dental Orofacial Pain. Symptoms include Joint Pain Restricted Movement and Sounds such as Clicking or Crepitation often with Headaches or Ear discomfort. TMDs affect up to 75% of people more common in Women. Causes are multifactorial-Occlusal factors Trauma Bruxism Arthritis and Stress. Diagnosis relies on MRI or CBCT while treatment emphasizes Conservative Reversible Multidisciplinary care reserving surgery for severe cases.