Question

discuss the clinical findings of relevance and the different investigations indicated for TMJ disorders

Answer 1

Common symptoms ( clinical findings) of temporomandibular joint include

• head ache , which will be worsen when opening of jaw.
• 50% of patients have ear pain ,but no infection.
• Crunching or popping sound known as crepitus is common in TMJ disorder patient.
• There will ringing sensation , dizziness and limitation in the deviation of mandibular movement.
• Above these clinical findings are known as pain dysfunctional syndrome.

Investigations include

• Computerized mandibular scan , which is a tracking device that detect delicate 3D jaw movement with accuracy.
• MRI is used for joint space pathology and CT is used for bone pathology.
• Plain film with arthrography are also used sometimes.
• If there is a reduction in vertical movement due to pain ,it will be due to muscular problem or reduced movement due to physical obstruction it may be due to disc displacement.