Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthrosis: A Review of Clinical Aspects and Management

The symptoms of TMJ Osteoarthrosis/Osteoarthritis(TMJ OA) are characteristic and in most cases specific to the disorder. There is, however, an overlap of symptoms with other TMDs. Treatment of TMJ OA is generally directed towards management of the symptoms as the temporomandibular joint does retain the capacity throughout life to repair and remodel. Non-conservative and invasive treatment is only rarely necessary. It should be remembered that the mandibular condyle retains the capacity to repair and remodel throughout life and patients should be encouraged to bear this in mind. Conservative measures are usually sufficient to treat symptoms and a period of time should be allowed to elapse before undertaking a more aggressive treatment plan, which, in the overwhelming majority of patients, will not be necessary. This disorder should be approached on the terms of ‘a quality of life issue’ and treatment should be directed towards patient needs.