TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular joint disorders are classified as either 1. Extra-capsular (myofunctional disorder) or 2. Intra-capsular ( jaw joint disorder).

Intra Capsular

Extracapsular Disorders occur when the musculature of the TMJ’s have an altered acquired postural rest position. Over a prolonged period of time the muscles maintain themselves in an altered state of hyperfunction, which the brain perceives as an accommodated “balanced position.”

1. Myofacial pain – A regional dull muscle pain with the presence of localised trigger points in the muscle, tendon and fascia
2. Myositis – An acute muscle pain as a result of trauma or spreading infection
3. Myospasm – An acute muscle disorder characterised by sudden involuntary tonic muscle contraction i.e. trismus

Extra Capsular

Intracapsular Disorders are characterized by structural alterations in the joint itself. The normal physiologic relationship between the part of the lower jaw called the condyle, the disc that moves between it and the part of the skull called the fossa have been altered and compromised as per the conditions below:

1. Inflammatory conditions i.e. synovitis, capsulitis, retrodiscitis
2. Internal disc derangement

• Disc sticking – An intermittent, asymptomatic popping, clicking, or stiffness in the TMJ. It is an alteration in the harmonious movement of the TMJ articular dics with displacement.
• TMJ dislocation – Inability to close the mouth when opened wide
• Disc displacement with reduction – Joint noise (click or pop) on opening or closing with or without pain or change in range of motion.
• Disc displacement without reduction- Sudden of pain with no joint sound