TMJ osteoarthritis
TMJ Osteoarthritis (Temporomandibular Joint)
Unquestionably, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) fulfills a basic function in the functional performance of the mandible; allowing us to carry out the necessary movements that allow us to bite, eat, speak or yawn.
However, there are a number of alterations that influence its regular functioning; finding among them the TMJ osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that deforms the fibrous disc that acts as a pad between the jaw and the skull.
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Types of TMJ arthritis
Just as it can happen accidentally or due to natural causes; there are different types of arthritis of the TMJ that can develop and affect this joint in some way:
Osteoarthritis
Common in adults over 50 years of age; This condition progressively deforms the fibrous disc and thickens the underlying bone, until it produces a lack of concordance between them, pain and inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Although this autoimmune disease impacts a smaller portion of patients and the TMJ is one of the last joints to affect; It is a pathology that attacks the cells themselves and causes inflammation, limitation of movements and even deformations in the face.
Infectious Arthritis
Even though its origin corresponds to some type of infection, it can have started in any part of the body and reach the TMJ through the bloodstream; causing inflammation and slow, limited and especially painful movement.
Traumatic arthritis
They are very rare cases, caused by an injury or strong impact that affect the TMJ causing a lot of pain, limitation of movement and sensitivity to contact.
Diagnosis and treatment
First, the specialist performs the anamnesis with its respective physical examination to determine the symptoms present and request the corresponding diagnostic tests.
During this review, the doctor uses his hands to feel the patient's face in search of alterations; slowly pressing on both sides of the face while prompting the individual to open and close the mouth to detect any signs of pain, popping or popping noises.
As a result of this initial stage, the specialist will be able to get an idea of the type of affectation present and, if necessary, can rely on imaging tests to detect any internal affection; counting between them from X-ray to an MRI.
Likewise, the test for sleep disorders (polysomnography) can also give some useful results.
Finally, when referring to the treatment of osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint It must be borne in mind that the procedures are as broad and diverse as the causes of the condition.
In this sense, the most frequent treatments include the use of splints or oral prostheses and drugs (analgesics, anti-inflammatories) to relieve pain. However, other alternatives such as physiotherapy and maxillofacial surgery offer a fairly effective option in the most severe cases.