The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. It permits the lower jaw (mandible) to move and function.
Treatment includes pain managament with drugs, myofascial appliance and physiotherapy, Arthrocentesis and lavage, arthroscopic (Key hole) joint surgery and open joint surgery.
TMJ disorders are not uncommon and have a variety of symptoms. Patients may complain of earaches, headaches and limited ability to open their mouth. They may also complain of clicking or grating sounds in the joint and feel pain when opening and closing their mouth.
TMJ ankylosis on the other hand is the complete inability to open the mouth due to the fusion of the joint to the skull base. In occurs due to trauma to the joint or middle ear infection in childhood