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Home › Body Atlas › Joints › Temporomandibular Joint (Detail)
Joint Head & Skull

Temporomandibular Joint (Detail)

articulatio temporomandibularis (detail)

The TMJ is the only bilateral joint that must function simultaneously as a unit. The two condyles are linked through the mandible, meaning pathology of one affects the other. The articular disc is attached to the condyle and moves with it during opening; disc displacement produces clicking (incomplete anterior disc displacement) or locking (complete displacement preventing mouth opening). TMD (temporomandibular disorder) affects 15-20% of adults.

An expanded entry for Temporomandibular Joint.

Anatomical Data

Structure

Bones
Ligaments
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Movements
  • Opening (depression): hinge + translation, first 25 mm hinge in lower compartment, then translation in upper compartment
  • Protrusion-retrusion, lateral excursion for chewing
Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

TMJ disc displacement with reduction produces click on opening; without reduction produces closed lock (limited opening to 25-30 mm from condyle translation blockage). Conservative management (splints, physiotherapy, NSAIDs) resolves 80-90% of TMD. Surgical arthroscopy or open discoplasty for refractory cases.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

TMJ Disc Displacement

Anterior disc displacement producing clicking (with reduction) or locked jaw (without reduction) managed with splints, physiotherapy, and arthroscopic disc repositioning.

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