The feasibility of palpating the lateral pterygoid muscle

Although dysfunction of the lateral pterygoid muscle could contribute to the pain associated with TMJ disorders, it has been demonstrated through the use of dissections and lateral head radiographs that it is not possible to palpate the lateral pterygoid muscle directly by conventional clinical techniques without applying pressure through the overlying superficial head of the medial pterygoid muscle. The possibility of confusing temporal muscle hypersensitivity with that of another muscle in this region is suggested.