الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex synovial joint. It is located on either side of the head where the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone and the mandibular condyle articulate. It is the only joint in the human body where the condyle slides completely out of its socket and yet, is not considered dislocated. This joint is unique in that it can undergo not only hinge movement but also extensive translational or sliding movement. [1,2]
The masticatory apparatus is a specialized unit that performs multiple functions, including those of suckling, speaking, cutting and grinding food, and swallowing. The loss of these functions in association with pain is characteristic of masticatory system disorders and causes significant distress that can be severely disabling. In the past, disorders of the masticatory system were generally treated as one condition or syndrome known as temporomandibular disorder or (TMD), with no attempt to differentiate subtypes of muscle or joint disorders. [3]
The masticatory apparatus is a specialized unit that performs multiple functions, including those of suckling, speaking, cutting and grinding food, and swallowing. The loss of these functions in association with pain is characteristic of masticatory system disorders and causes significant distress that can be severely disabling. In the past, disorders of the masticatory system were generally treated as one condition or syndrome known as temporomandibular disorder or (TMD), with no attempt to differentiate subtypes of muscle or joint disorders. [3]
The ability to identify different muscle or joint disorders has become possible; this should lead to a better understanding about the nature of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), more accurate predictions on prognosis, and more effective treatments of the condition. [4] The causes of TMDs are generally complex in origin, with several theories proposed to explain the onset.[5]
TMD is considered the most common orofacial pain condition of non-dental origin. TMJ disorder is a broad term that encompasses several distinct pathological states of the TMJ. The origin of the TMJ disorder may be 1) extracapsular, involving primarily the muscles of mastication around the TMJ, 2) intra-capsular, as a result of abnormalities of the articular surfaces or the mechanical relationship of the joint, or 3) a combination of extra- and intra-articular elements. [4,6]
These disorders have been associated with characteristic clinical findings such as muscle tenderness to palpation, joint pain at rest or during motion, joint sounds, and restricted or deviating jaw function. [7]
The masticatory apparatus is a specialized unit that performs multiple functions, including those of suckling, speaking, cutting and grinding food, and swallowing. The loss of these functions in association with pain is characteristic of masticatory system disorders and causes significant distress that can be severely disabling. In the past, disorders of the masticatory system were generally treated as one condition or syndrome known as temporomandibular disorder or (TMD), with no attempt to differentiate subtypes of muscle or joint disorders. [3]
The ability to identify different muscle or joint disorders has become possible; this should lead to a better understanding about the nature of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), more accurate predictions on prognosis, and more effective treatments of the condition. [4] The causes of TMDs are generally complex in origin, with several theories proposed to explain the onset.[5]
TMD is considered the most common orofacial pain condition of non-dental origin. TMJ disorder is a broad term that encompasses several distinct pathological states of the TMJ. The origin of the TMJ disorder may be 1) extracapsular, involving primarily the muscles of mastication around the TMJ, 2) intra-capsular, as a result of abnormalities of the articular surfaces or the mechanical relationship of the joint, or 3) a combination of extra- and intra-articular elements. [4,6]
These disorders have been associated with characteristic clinical findings such as muscle tenderness to palpation, joint pain at rest or during motion, joint sounds, and restricted or deviating jaw function. [7]