ASTMJS
The American Society of Temporomandibular Surgeons (ASTMJS) is a non profit
organization of maxillofacial, orthopedic, plastic/ reconstructive and oral
surgical specialists dedicated to promoting education, research, and patient
services concerning orthopedic disease of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Any member of this
organization must possess significant surgical experience and an interest
in performing research or clinical studies of orthopedic disease or dysfunction
of this joint system of the body.
Parameters and Guidelines for Treatment
In the United States, the National Institute of Health has estimated that 10 million American have painful TM joint dysfunction, the majority of which are self limiting or respond to non surgical treatment. As in orthopedic management of other joint
systems of the body, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, orthotics or splints, and rest are usually sufficient initial treatment modalities. However, the time given to initial treatment must be finite when such treatment proves to be ineffective
or the clinical condition deteriorates.
Patients with true
and significant orthopedic diseases of the TM Joint will generally have
unremitting joint pain, joint locking, and an inability to load the involved
joints(s) with chewing force. Such conditions can be due to previous jaw
trauma, developmental or growth anomalies, or various conditions that
can lead to arthritic degeneration of the joint. Such conditions deserve
appropriate evaluation with appropriate imaging studies to make an accurate
diagnosis (MRI, Arthoscopy, etc.).
Surgical procedures
are indicated when pre-surgical imaging studies confirm pathologic and
structural changes of the joint that creates significant pain, dysfunction,
and impairment.
