Myoarthropathy
Myoarthropathy describes a combined disorder of the muscles (myo-) and the jaw joint (arthro-), referring to a condition affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding musculature, often accompanied by pain and functional impairment.
This disorder affects the jaw joint and masticatory muscles and can have various causes, including:
- dysfunctions of the jaw joint,
- muscle tension,
- malocclusion, or
- traumatic injuries.
Symptoms of myoarthropathy may include jaw pain, headaches, limited mouth opening, popping or grinding sounds in the jaw joint, and tooth pain. Diagnosis is typically performed through clinical examination and imaging techniques such as X-rays or MRI.
Treatment often includes physiotherapy, pain management, splint therapy to relieve the jaw joint, and in severe cases, surgical interventions. The goal of therapy is to alleviate pain, improve jaw joint function, and prevent further damage.
Myoarthropathy is a subset of TMD (temporomandibular disorders) that specifically focuses on muscle and joint dysfunctions.
In contrast, TMD is a broader term that also encompasses other functional disorders, such as dental misalignments, nerve pathway issues, and psychosomatic aspects. While TMD is often considered an interdisciplinary diagnosis, myoarthropathy is primarily limited to functional-anatomical areas.