Temporomandibular joint: disorders, treatments, and biomechanics

Ann Biomed Eng. 2009 May;37(5):976-96. doi: 10.1007/s10439-009-9659-4. Epub 2009 Feb 28.

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex, sensitive, and highly mobile joint. Millions of people suffer from temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in USA alone. The TMD treatment options need to be looked at more fully to assess possible improvement of the available options and introduction of novel techniques. As reconstruction with either partial or total joint prosthesis is the potential treatment option in certain TMD conditions, it is essential to study outcomes of the FDA approved TMJ implants in a controlled comparative manner. Evaluating the kinetics and kinematics of the TMJ enables the understanding of structure and function of normal and diseased TMJ to predict changes due to alterations, and to propose more efficient methods of treatment. Although many researchers have conducted biomechanical analysis of the TMJ, many of the methods have certain limitations. Therefore, a more comprehensive analysis is necessary for better understanding of different movements and resulting forces and stresses in the joint components. This article provides the results of a state-of-the-art investigation of the TMJ anatomy, TMD, treatment options, a review of the FDA approved TMJ prosthetic devices, and the TMJ biomechanics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arthroscopy
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Female
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Joint Prosthesis
  • Male
  • Malocclusion / complications
  • Models, Biological*
  • Physical Therapy Specialty
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Self Care
  • Splints
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / classification
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / etiology
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / therapy*
  • Weight-Bearing / physiology