ABSTRACT
To evaluate effects of internal derangement, the sagittal lengths of the condylar, temporal, and disc articular surfaces, as well as those of the disc attachments, were measured in histologic sections of human temporomandibular joints obtained at autopsy, mainly from adolescent, young adult, and middle-aged subjects. While the upper joint compartment appeared little affected, anterior disc position was significantly associated with comparatively long inferior disc attachments and a short condylar articular surface, indicative of possibly aberrant insertions of the attachments. Such discrepancies in size or alignment between condyle and disc complex could primarily reflect a constitutional deviation or result secondarily from remodeling.
Subject(s)
Joint Dislocations/pathology , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/pathology , Temporomandibular Joint/anatomy & histology , Temporomandibular Joint/pathology , Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Joint Capsule/anatomy & histology , Joint Capsule/pathology , Male , Mandibular Condyle/pathology , Middle Aged , Sex Factors , Temporal Bone/anatomy & histology , Temporal Bone/pathology , Temporomandibular Joint Disc/anatomy & histology , Temporomandibular Joint Disc/pathologyABSTRACT
In an attempt to evaluate the potential behaviour of the temporomandibular joint wall during mandibular movements, joint specimens of 18 individuals, ranging in age from 15-45 years, were examined macroscopically and in the light microscope. The inner part of the joint wall was consistently formed by the superior and inferior lamina of the disc attachment. A distinct fibrous capsule existed in the posterior and lateral joint region, while anteriorly and medially, it could hardly be identified. The posterior attachment to the temporal bone of both the disc and capsule was clearly anterior to the squamotympanic and petrosquamosal fissure. A collagenous sheet inserting in and around these fissure was considered the deep lamina of the parotid-masseteric fascia. With reference to collagen arrangement, content in elastic fibres, and type of synovial lining, the postero-superior disc attachment appeared to be highly extensible, although not elastic enough to effectively pull the disc back upon posterior movements of the condyle. On the other hand, the latero-inferior disc attachment gave the impression of a rigid band well suited to drag the disc along with the condyle and still allowing condylar rotation. In addition, however, the postero-inferior disc attachment in combination with condylar rotation might also contribute effectively to the control of disc position on the moving condyle.
