Kinesiology of the temporomandibular joint The articular disc in the TMJ has an important functional role. It fills the space between the condyle and the temporal bone, and acts as a stress absorber and distributors during the jaw activity.

Does the TMJ have an articular disc?

TMJ is a synovial, condylar and hinge-type joint. The joint involves fibrocartilaginous surfaces and an articular disc which divides the joint into two cavities.

How do you fix TMJ disc displacement?

Treatment is with analgesics, jaw rest, muscle relaxation, physical therapy, and oral appliance therapy. If these methods fail, surgery may be necessary.

What is the articular disc of TMJ made of?

The articular disc of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is composed of fibrocartilage, and the extracellular matrix of this disc is composed mainly of collagen, glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycans.

What is articular disc?

The articular disk is a thin, oval plate, placed between the condyle of the mandible and the mandibular fossa. … It divides the joint into two cavities, each of which is furnished with a synovial membrane.

What is the purpose of the articular disc?

The cartilaginous articular disc is situated between the condyle and the fossa and acts as a cushion that absorbs stress and allows the condyle to move easily when the mouth opens and closes.

How do I know if my TMJ disc is displaced?

Symptoms

  1. Pain or discomfort associated with anyone or combination of: chewing, yawning, talking, bruxism.
  2. Headaches.
  3. Ear pain.
  4. TMJ range of movement may be restricted.
  5. Crepitus/clicking during movement of the jaw.
  6. Pain or discomfort can be acute or chronic that can fluctuate in intensity.

What is TMJ disc?

The TMJ disc divides the joint into two compartments and separates translational and rotational motion. Above the disc, between it and the mandibular fossa and articular eminence of the temporal bone is the superior discotemporal space – anterior translation during mouth opening occurs here.

Where are articular discs found?

When complete they are called disks; when incomplete they are called menisci. Disks are found in the temporomandibular joint of the lower jaw, the sternoclavicular (breastbone and collarbone) joint, and the ulnocarpal (inner forearm bone and wrist) joint.

How do you reset a TMJ disc?

How do you treat disc displacement without reduction?

non-invasive (conservative), including education, self-management, splint therapy, physiotherapy, and their combinations; minimally invasive, including arthrocentesis; or. invasive (surgical), including arthroscopic and open joint surgeries.

What causes disc displacement in jaw?

Many factors can contribute to the development of an anterior displaced disc, including jaw misalignment or asymmetry, misalignment of the teeth, clenching or grinding, posture issues, or trauma.

What muscles are affected by TMJ?

“When it comes to TMD, we can blame the pain on the masseter muscle, which covers the jaw over your teeth,” says Dr. Bang. “The masseter muscle is used for chewing and jaw clenching. Muscle overuse from teeth grinding and jaw clenching causes the muscles to become tense, inflamed and very painful.”

How do you reset your jaw position?

Open your mouth as wide as you comfortably can, and hold for 5-10 seconds. Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Glide your lower jaw out as far as it will go and then back in as far as it will go. Hold for 5-10 seconds in each position.

What TMJ looks like?

What do articular discs allow?

The presence of an articular disk also permits a more even distribution of forces between the articulating surfaces of bones, increases the stability of the joint, and aids in directing the flow of synovial fluid to areas of the articular cartilage that experience the most friction.

Is articular disc a ligament?

The collateral (discal) ligament connects the articular disk medially and laterally to the condyle. The temporomandibular ligament reinforces the capsular ligament (Figure 4) (Milam, 1997; Okeson, 2013). Figure 4. Ligaments of TMJ.

Do articular discs move freely?

A synovial joint, also known as a diarthrosis, is the most common and most movable type of joint in a mammal’s body. Diarthroses are freely movable articulations. … This articular cartilage functions to absorb shock and reduce friction during movement.

How common is TMJ disc displacement?

Among the intra-articular disorders of the TMJ, disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) corresponds to 41% of TMD clinical diagnoses. 4 Also, DDWR can occur in 33% of asymptomatic individuals.

Will dislocated jaw fix itself?

The outlook for broken or dislocated jaws varies depending on the severity of the injury. A minor break can often heal on its own without the need for medical intervention. More severe breaks will probably require supportive medical devices around the jaw. The healing process can take several weeks or months.

Will my jaw go back into place?

What is a jaw dislocation? A jaw dislocation is the separation of your mandible (lower jaw) from your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When this happens, your lower jaw cannot go back into place on its own.

What can be mistaken for TMJ?

Conditions That May Be Mistaken for TMJ Disorder

What happens when TMJ goes untreated?

Eventually, TMJ disorder can lead to tinnitus or even permanently compromised hearing. Inner ear problems can also produce difficulties with balance and recurring dizziness. Similarly, vision can be compromised by untreated TMJ symptoms. TMJ can also lead to serious jaw problems.

What does articular cartilage look like?

Articular cartilage is the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints. Healthy cartilage in our joints makes it easier to move. It allows the bones to glide over each other with very little friction. Articular cartilage can be damaged by injury or normal wear and tear.

Which part of articular disc is avascular?

The synovial membrane lining the joint capsule produces the synovial fluid that fills these cavities. The central area of the disc is avascular and lacks innervation, thus getting its nutrients from the surrounding synovial fluid.

What muscle attaches to the articular disc of the TMJ?

The masticatory muscles are generally described as the muscles that originate from the cranium and insert on the mandible. Some of the masticatory muscles also insert into the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint.