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[Temporomandibular joint cracking: background and diagnosis]
J J Huddleston Slater1, M Naeije
1Vakgroep Orale Functieleer, Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam (ACTA), Louwesweg 1, 1066 EA Amsterdam.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Tandheelkunde
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Painless temporomandibular joint clicking often requires no treatment. However, monitoring is advised as clicking can sometimes cause painful joint movement limitations, the cause of which remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Biomechanics of jaw movement
Context:
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) clicking is a common patient-reported symptom.
- While often asymptomatic, clicking can progress to painful joint dysfunction.
- The underlying mechanisms for this progression are not fully understood.
Purpose:
- To highlight the clinical significance of temporomandibular joint clicking.
- To emphasize the need for monitoring asymptomatic clicking.
- To suggest advanced assessment methods for symptomatic joints.
Summary:
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) clicking, though frequently painless, can unpredictably lead to painful limitations in jaw movement.
- The etiology of this transition from asymptomatic to symptomatic clicking is currently unknown.
- Long-term observation of clicking joints is recommended, with opto-electronic condylar movement recording proposed as a potential diagnostic aid.
Impact:
- Informs clinical practice regarding the management of temporomandibular joint clicking.
- Underscores the importance of patient monitoring for potential TMJ dysfunction.
- Suggests avenues for future research into the pathophysiology and assessment of TMJ clicking.