TMJ Injuries

Most blows to the mandible do not result in fractures, yet significant force can be transmitted to the temporomandibular disc and supporting structures that may result in permanent injury. In both mild and severe trauma, the condyle can be forced posteriorly to the extent that the retrodiscal tissues are compressed. Inflammation and edema can result forcing the mandibular condyle forward and down in acute malocclusion. Occasionally this trauma will cause intracapsular bleeding, which could lead to ankylosis of the joint.

Figure 1. TMJ Landmarks.

Figure 1. TMJ Landmarks.

Figure 2. Dimensional Image of TMJ.

Figure 2. Dimensional Image of TMJ.