Craniomandibular Dysfunction
Pronunciation: kray-nee-oh-man-DIB-yoo-lar
Also written as: CMD — Craniomandibular Dysfunction
A broad term encompassing disorders of the muscles of mastication, temporomandibular joints, and associated structures that produce orofacial pain or functional impairment.
Full Definition
Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) is an umbrella designation used in some European and academic traditions to describe the full spectrum of temporomandibular and masticatory muscle disorders. It encompasses myofascial pain, articular disc displacement, degenerative joint disease, and related orofacial pain syndromes. Editors should be aware that 'CMD' and 'TMD' (temporomandibular disorder) are used near-synonymously in the literature, with CMD more common in German-language and European sources. The term should be hyphenated as shown.
Usage
Usage note: In North American publications, 'TMD' is the dominant term; 'CMD' is more prevalent in European and prosthodontic literature. Editors should not substitute one for the other without author approval.
In Context
- "The patient was referred to the CMD clinic following failure of conservative splint therapy." — Referral letter, specialist dental clinic
- "Craniomandibular dysfunction was assessed using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) protocol." — Clinical research methodology section