Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Posterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint: A rare case report
Shaista Afroz1, Mio Naritani1, Hidehiko Hosoki2
1Department of Stomatognathic Function and Occlusal Reconstruction, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University , Tokushima, Japan.
Background:
Posterior disc displacement (PDD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is quite rare. The normal position of a disc is slightly anterior to the condyle, so the chances of disc displacement to the posterior direction are low.
Case Presentation:
A 71-year-old Japanese female reported with a chief complaint of lack of occlusion on the right-side molar teeth. Clinical examination revealed lack of occlusal contact in the right posterior region, nearly normal range of mouth opening (41.0 mm), masseter muscle tenderness, and deviation to the left on opening. MRI of the right TMJ showed PDD in both the open- and closed-mouth position and joint effusion. Conservative treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, stretch exercise with fingers, and stabilization splint improved symptoms for 9 months.
Conclusion:
Conservative treatment was effective in managing the patient. A follow-up for 9 months with a repeat MRI was undertaken to monitor the progress.
Related Concept Videos
Displacement Current
Position and Displacement
Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
Structural Joints: Fibrous Joints
Suture
All the bones of the skull, except for the mandible, are joined to each other by a fibrous joint called a suture. The fibrous connective tissue found at a suture strongly unites the adjacent skull bones and thus helps to protect the brain and form the face. In...
Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary...
Joints
Structural joint classifications are based on the material that makes up the joint as well as whether or not the joint contains a space between the bones. Joints are structurally classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Fibrous Joints Are Immovable
The bones of a...

