Temporomandibular Joint
Pronunciation: tem-poh-roh-man-DIB-yoo-lar joint
Also written as: TMJ — Temporomandibular Joint
The bilateral synovial joint connecting the mandibular condyle to the temporal bone of the skull, governing all jaw movement and central to orthopedic treatment planning.
Full Definition
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a ginglymoarthrodial joint allowing both hinge (rotation) and gliding (translation) movements, facilitated by an interposed fibrocartilaginous articular disc. In dentofacial orthopedics, the TMJ is a primary site of adaptive growth response to functional appliances and a potential site of iatrogenic stress if forces are improperly applied. Editors must ensure that 'temporomandibular' is spelled as one unhyphenated word and that 'TMJ' is defined on first use. 'TMJ disorder' (TMD) is a separate clinical entity and must not be used interchangeably with 'TMJ.' Manuscripts reporting condylar position changes require precise anatomical and radiographic terminology.
Usage
Usage note: Always expand 'TMJ' on first use; never use 'TMJ' and 'TMD' (temporomandibular disorder) interchangeably — they are distinct terms.
In Context
- "CBCT imaging of the temporomandibular joint was performed to assess condylar morphology before orthognathic surgery." — Diagnostic imaging report
- "The authors clarified that the study excluded patients with a prior diagnosis of temporomandibular joint dysfunction." — Exclusion criteria section