7 TMJ Flashcards
Describe the Osteology of the TMJ
Describe the Arthrology of the TMJ
What are the available movements of the mandible?
What’s loose packed position of the TMJ?
teeth 2-5 mm apart, tip of the tongue resting behind the front teeth on the roof of the mouth (sometimes called the ‘N position’)
What’s the capsular pattern of the TMJ?
limited mandibular depression
What are three main signs of TMJ dysfunction?
- pain in the TMJ that is affected by movement
- noise during movement
- reduced TMJ range/movement
Pain on full TMJ opening suggests:
a muscle problem
Pain on closing/biting/chewing suggests:
an articular problem
When palpating/listening to the TMJ on assessment, what would an early click indicate? A late click?
- early click: developing dysfunction
- late click: chronic dysfunction
What might a soft/popping click indicate during AROM of TMJ?
can be a ligament movement, articular surface separation, or sucking of loose tissue behind the condyle as it moves forward
What might a hard/cracking click indicate during AROM of TMJ?
likely joint pathology or joint surface defects
What might a soft crepitus indicate during AROM of TMJ?
not usually indicative of any pathology
What might a hard crepitus indicate during AROM of TMJ?
indicative of arthritic changes
What might a painful crepitus indicate during AROM of TMJ?
indicative of an eroded disc which allows bone on bone (i.e. condyle and temporal bone) contact which has progressed into sub-articular bone
What muscles are activated, and what is the normal range of, TMJ depression?
