Internal derangement of temporomandibular joint etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management: A review of literature

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a highly complex, multiaxial, synovial; diarthroidal joint in which there is articulation between head of condyle and the gleniod fossa. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a class of degenerative musculoskeletal conditions associated with the morphologic and functional disorders of the joint. The most frequent structural cause of TMD is internal derangements, which involves progressive slippage of the articular disc ahead of the condylar head during opening and closure of the jaw. Internal derangement often get progressively worsen with time. Pain and alterations in function can become quite debilitating, greatly affecting oral health care and diminishing the quality of life for such individuals. In the anatomically demanding and biochemically active environment of the TMJ, therapeutic conservative and surgical approaches that can restore the normal joint functionality of the joint have become an essential tool.