From the Guidelines
Jaw claudication in Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is primarily caused by mechanical dysfunction leading to mechanical overloading of the TMJ during function, which can result from previous TMJ arthritis or TMJ deformity 1.
Key Factors
- TMJ arthritis can lead to orofacial signs and symptoms, even in the absence of inflammation 1
- TMJ deformity can cause mechanical overloading of the TMJ, resulting in orofacial signs and symptoms 1
- Mechanical dysfunction can lead to jaw claudication, despite the absence of TMJ inflammation 1
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Contrast-enhanced MRI is the best method to detect active TMJ arthritis 1
- Patient history and clinical examination are essential for diagnosing TMJ arthritis-related dysfunction 1
- Occlusal splints and physical therapy may be beneficial in patients with orofacial symptoms and/or TMJ dysfunction 1
- Intraarticular glucocorticoid injection may be indicated in skeletally mature patients with active TMJ arthritis and orofacial symptoms 1
From the Research
Causes of Jaw Claudication in Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
- Jaw claudication can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, including temporal arteritis, temporomandibular joint disease, rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, and parotid tumors 2
- Atherosclerotic narrowing of the external carotid artery proximal to the origins of the facial and maxillary branches is a rare cause of jaw claudication 2
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is also a potential cause of jaw claudication, with jaw symptoms being a vital clue to the diagnosis of GCA 3, 4
- Jaw claudication in TMJ disorder can be related to pain and restricted mouth opening, which may limit a patient's access to comprehensive dental care 5
- The exact relationship between jaw stiffness and jaw claudication in TMJ disorder is not fully understood and requires further research 3
Differential Diagnosis
- Jaw claudication can be misattributed to other causes, such as arthritis, age, or viral illnesses, or by healthcare professionals to a dental cavity, ear infection, or teeth-grinding 3
- A multidisciplinary team approach to management is essential in the fundamental care of all TMD patients to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment 5