Which two conditions are common intra-articular TMJ pathologies?

Which two conditions are common intra-articular TMJ pathologies?

• A. Disc displacement (with or without reduction) and degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis of the TMJ
• B. Osteomyelitis and gout
• C. Synovitis and myositis
• D. Bursitis and facial nerve palsy

Answer: (A)

Intra-articular TMJ problems are disorders that occur inside the joint capsule, involving the articular disc and the joint surfaces. The two most common intra-articular issues are disc displacement with or without reduction and degenerative changes of the joint surfaces (osteoarthritis) of the TMJ. Disc displacement is when the articular disc sits abnormally between the condyle and the temporal bone during jaw movement. If the disc reduces, it returns to its proper position during movement; if it doesn’t reduce, the jaw may feel restricted or lock, and clicking or popping can occur. Degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis involves wear and tear of the joint cartilage and adjacent bone, leading to pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and crepitus within the joint. The other options describe problems that are not primarily within the TMJ joint itself: infections of bone, crystal deposits, inflammation of muscles, bursae around the joint, or nerve issues. These are not classic intra-articular TMJ pathologies.

Intra-articular TMJ problems are disorders that occur inside the joint capsule, involving the articular disc and the joint surfaces. The two most common intra-articular issues are disc displacement with or without reduction and degenerative changes of the joint surfaces (osteoarthritis) of the TMJ.

Disc displacement is when the articular disc sits abnormally between the condyle and the temporal bone during jaw movement. If the disc reduces, it returns to its proper position during movement; if it doesn’t reduce, the jaw may feel restricted or lock, and clicking or popping can occur. Degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis involves wear and tear of the joint cartilage and adjacent bone, leading to pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and crepitus within the joint.

The other options describe problems that are not primarily within the TMJ joint itself: infections of bone, crystal deposits, inflammation of muscles, bursae around the joint, or nerve issues. These are not classic intra-articular TMJ pathologies.