The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has long been less well understood than other joints of the body. It is afflicted by many osseous and soft tissue conditions, as other joints, but because of its particular anatomic structure and location, it is subject to a unique biomechanical environment and set of pathologic conditions. Until recently, few health care providers had much understanding of this joint, and patients with TMJ dysfunction had few professionals to whom they could turn for knowledgeable help.
Traditionally TMJ dysfunction was recognized most commonly by dentists but they had insufficient education to care for the problem and nowhere to refer the patient. This situation has now changed as a result of the rapid progress in all aspects of TMJ analysis that has occurred in the past 15 years. The anatomy, biomechanical function and dysfunction, pathologic conditions, and methods…
