TMJ Disorders

        TMJ is a disorder of the jaw joint and related structures where the ball (condyle), socket (fossa), and cushioning disk (meniscus) of the joint are damaged or misaligned. Over time, the meniscus becomes increasingly compressed and torn, allowing the bony structures of the ball and socket to deteriorate at an accelerating rate due to the grinding wear on the joint and the loss of cushioning effect of the meniscus. This grinding (crepitus) and concurrent pressure on the capsular ligament surrounding the joint can cause head pain, and may create difficulty in opening or closing of the mouth. The body attempts to realign the joint using the musculature in the face, jaw and neck. As these muscles become fatigued, additional muscles in the shoulders and back attempt to help this condition, then become stressed themselves. The most common disorder of the TMJ is disk displacement. There are two types of anterior displacements.

Anterior Displacement With Reduction

        Internal derangement of the TMJ is present when the posterior band of the meniscus is anteriorly displaced infront of the condyle. As the meniscus translates anteriorly, the posterior band remains in front of the condyle and the bilaminar zone becomes abnormally stretched and attenuated. Often the displaced posterior band will return to its normal position when the condyle reaches a certain point. This derangement causes you to hear a "popping" or "clicking" sound in your ear.