By definition, this is any problem that leads to the interference of smooth functioning of the temporomandibular joint. 

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The most common symptoms are "jaw locking", difficulties opening the mouth and pain whilst eating. This can be both acute and chronic. There is no one specific reason for this occuring but most likely it is due to trauma to the joint whether that be chronic in nature with habits such as clenching or nocturnal grinding(bruxism) or macrotrauma such as a sports injury to the joint. 

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The most common cited consequence is a "displaced disc". Although this is often referred to as the "diagnosis", this is only a sign of a much more complex problem. In a chronically inflammed and damaged joint, the disc will often move forward contributing to joint immobility.

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Other reasons for the signs and symptoms of TMJ ID are intra-articular scar tissue formation and inflammed joint surfaces. 

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If a patient is deemed a suitable surgical candidate, an arthroscopy in the first instance is often offered. This has two main benefits:

Firstly, in most cases, there will be significant symptom resolution. By "washing out" the joint space and irrigating the inside of the joint, inflammatory particles that have accumulated within the joint space can be removed. 

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Furthermore, an excellent diagnosis can be made which confirms what is seen on imaging studies and often will often identify issues which are not seem on typical imaging studies such as an MRI. This serves not only as a record but also an educational tool for the patients own understanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When inside the joint, various modalities can be employed such as targeted steroid deposition and surgery including disc respositioning if it may benefit the patient. 

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In severe cases of internal derangement, consideration can be given to TMJ Total Joint Replacement. ​

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