What is the medical term for clicking of the jaw?

Medical Terminology for Jaw Clicking

The medical term for clicking of the jaw is "temporomandibular joint (TMJ) clicking" or "TMJ crepitus," which represents an auditory manifestation of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). 1

Clinical Terminology and Context

• TMJ clicking is formally classified as an auditory phenomenon occurring within the temporomandibular joint, characterized by popping, clicking, or crepitus sounds during jaw movement 1

• This clicking is recognized as one of the cardinal symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which encompass functional and pathological disturbances of the TMJ and associated structures 1

• The clicking sound may occur during jaw opening, closing, or both movements, and affects approximately 36% of patients with TMJ symptoms 2

Important Clinical Distinctions

What the Clicking Actually Represents

• Clicking does NOT always indicate meniscal reduction: Contrary to traditional assumptions, TMJ clicking can occur with nonreducing anterior displacement of the meniscus in 15% of cases 2

• The sound may result from frictional impact between degenerated condylar surfaces and hypertrophied displaced meniscus, rather than the meniscus "popping back into place" 2

• Bilateral degenerative joint disease is present in 50% of patients with clicking and nonreducing meniscal displacement 2

Associated Clinical Features

• TMJ clicking commonly presents alongside other TMD symptoms including:
  • Jaw or facial pain 1
  • Restricted mandibular mobility 1
  • Headaches and earache 1
  • Impaired mandibular function 1

Prevalence and Demographics

• Chronic TMD pain affects 6-9% of the general population, making it the second most common musculoskeletal chronic pain disorder 3

• Women are disproportionately affected with a female-to-male ratio of approximately 1.89:1 3

• Peak incidence occurs between ages 20-40 years, with highest prevalence between ages 40-60 years 3

Clinical Significance

• Up to 30% of acute TMD cases progress to chronic pain (≥3 months duration), emphasizing the importance of proper evaluation even when clicking is the only symptom 1, 3

• Psychological comorbidities are common in chronic TMD patients, contributing to disability and reduced quality of life 3

• The clicking may persist for months to years (mean duration 3.7 years in one study) before patients seek treatment 2