[Disorders of the temporomandibular joint. 1. Concept and classification]

The nature and causes of pain and disturbances of the temporomandibular locomotor system are subjects of controversy. The strategy of management of temporomandibular disorders considerably depends on the basic approach to the problem. Analysing craniomandibular pain and dysfunction in terms of general pathology of synovial joints has major consequences for the terminology and classification of these disorders. In this article, general synovial joint pathology forms the basis of the classification of the most common disorders of the mandibular locomotor apparatus. Based on this classification, a frame for the management of temporomandibular disorders is presented.