Degenerative Disorders of the Temporomandibular Joint: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders have complex and sometimes controversial etiologies. Also, under similar circumstances, one person’s TMJ may appear to deteriorate, while another’s does not. However, once degenerative changes start in the TMJ, this pathology can be crippling, leading to a var...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Dental Research 2008-04, Vol.87 (4), p.296-307
Main Authors: Tanaka, E., Detamore, M.S., Mercuri, L.G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomechanical Phenomena
Cartilage, Articular - pathology
Dentistry
Humans
Joint Dislocations - diagnosis
Joint Dislocations - etiology
Joint Dislocations - therapy
Osteoarthritis - diagnosis
Osteoarthritis - etiology
Osteoarthritis - therapy
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - diagnosis
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - etiology
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - therapy
Tissue Engineering
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Summary:Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders have complex and sometimes controversial etiologies. Also, under similar circumstances, one person’s TMJ may appear to deteriorate, while another’s does not. However, once degenerative changes start in the TMJ, this pathology can be crippling, leading to a variety of morphological and functional deformities. Primarily, TMJ disorders have a non-inflammatory origin. The pathological process is characterized by deterioration and abrasion of articular cartilage and local thickening. These changes are accompanied by the superimposition of secondary inflammatory changes. Therefore, appreciating the pathophysiology of the TMJ degenerative disorders is important to an understanding of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of internal derangement and osteoarthrosis of the TMJ. The degenerative changes in the TMJ are believed to result from dysfunctional remodeling, due to a decreased host-adaptive capacity of the articulating surfaces and/or functional overloading of the joint that exceeds the normal adaptive capacity. This paper reviews etiologies that involve biomechanical and biochemical factors associated with functional overloading of the joint and the clinical, radiographic, and biochemical findings important in the diagnosis of TMJ-osteoarthrosis. In addition, non-invasive and invasive modalities utilized in TMJ-osteoarthrosis management, and the possibility of tissue engineering, are discussed.
ISSN:0022-0345
1544-0591
DOI:10.1177/154405910808700406