Summary

• Includes several disorders of the mandibular joint, including myofascial pain and dysfunction, internal derangement, and osteoarthritis.
• Typically presents with 3 characteristic features: TMJ pain, noise in the joint, and limited mandibular movement.
• Diagnosis is based on history and physical examination.
• Imaging tests are usually not required. A CT scan that includes the mandibular condyles may be useful for diagnosing osteoarthritis, if bone degeneration is present.
• Generally a self-limiting disorder. Treatment options include joint rest, or a brief course of benzodiazepines may be useful in selected patients. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help people with the internal derangement or osteoarthritis subtypes.