Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome

Definition 1

A common disorder noted with jaw movement. It may be caused by malocclusion, repetitive use injury, trauma or arthritis. It is more prevalent among females between their second and fourth decades. Clinical signs include preauricular pain, temporomandibular joint clicking (as the mandibular condyle slips from the articulation made with the capsular disc and temporal bone) and restriction of jaw motion. Clinical course is typically benign but may progress to associated headaches, ear and neck pain, tinnitus and dislocation of temporomandibular joint. Prognosis is favorable as a majority of cases will respond to conservative management. (NCI Thesaurus)

Definition 2

A symptom complex consisting of pain, muscle tenderness, clicking in the joint, and limitation or alteration of mandibular movement. The symptoms are subjective and manifested primarily in the masticatory muscles rather than the temporomandibular joint itself. Etiologic factors are uncertain but include occlusal disharmony and psychophysiologic factors. (NLM, Medical Subject Headings)

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