Temporomandibular joint dysfunction: evaluation and treatment

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a complicated problem requiring interdisciplinary cooperation for diagnosis and treatment. Functional problems including bruxism and psychological disorders frequently occur with joint dysfunction making evaluation more difficult. Many new diagnostic modalities are now available to supplement the history and physical examination to provide an accurate assessment of the joint. Although conservative treatment is successful in a majority of the patients, some form of surgical treatment remains the only option for those who do not respond to conservative management. We have discussed the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the pathological conditions of the TMJ and introduced a new modality of treatment, temporalis fascia interpositional arthroplasty. Further work is necessary to elucidate the etiology of TMJ dysfunction and develop treatment modalities that avoid the use of alloplastic materials.