Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)

(Cracking and pain in the jaw)

Causes

Collapse of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) leads to intra- and peri-articular dysfunction of the whole osteoarticular system. The disorder can be due to physiological aging of the joint (e.g. osteoarthritis), but also to dentofacial occlusion problems (linked to dental prostheses), cranio-cervical trauma, or bruxism (tightening of the jaws) which constitutes a reflex reaction mechanism in this dysfunction. A cervical origin should also be considered, linked to a Painful Minor Intervertebral Dysfunction (MID) located in the C2-C3-C4 vertebrae, sometimes generating a postural disorder affecting overall stasis with deviation of the jaw. In this case, the physiological axes of stasis are collectively deviated.

Consequences

The patient experiences pain when opening the mouth, or upon chewing or yawning, with a sensation of cracking in the joint due to premature wear of the condyle and meniscus (arthritis), “like in the knee”.

Treatment

To avoid the need to place an occlusal splint, which is the very long-duration and demanding conventional treatment, percutaneous hydrotomy based on mesochelation provides hydration and micronutrition while reducing peripheral calcium levels in the joint area. It resuspends the jaw to allow the temporomandibular joint to “slide” better.