Temporomandibular Joint Function Overview

Principles

Definition

Temporomandibular joint function is the academic concept and research domain investigating the complex biomechanics, kinematics, and neuromuscular control underlying the movements and operational roles of the temporomandibular joints. Its study is fundamental to understanding essential oral motor activities like mastication and speech, and to the clinical assessment and management of temporomandibular disorders.

Ontological type

Pathophysiological Mechanisms

Neuromuscular Control

Biomechanical Modeling

Key developments

Key Figures

Structure-Function Imaging Paradigm era

Per-Lennart Westesson [1] was affiliated with Karolinska Institutet [3] and the University of Groningen [4] during the Structure-Function Imaging Paradigm era. His 1984 autopsy study on internal derangement related to osteoarthrosis in temporomandibular joint autopsy specimens [9], the 1985 morphologic description correlating derangement with joint function [8], and the 1986 light microscopic study of osteoarthritis and internal derangement [7] advanced the era by linking histology and morphology with function and by shaping diagnostic paradigms. Richard W. Katzberg [2] was affiliated with Harvard University [5] and the University of California, San Francisco [6] during this era. His 1979 arthrotomographic evaluation of the temporomandibular joint [12], the 1983 paper on internal derangements and arthritis [11], and the 1984 report on diagnosis by direct sagittal computed tomography [10] illustrated how imaging could reveal structure-function relationships and anchored diagnostic approaches for the era.

Diagnostic Standardization and Epidemiology era

Linda LeResche [1] is a central figure in temporomandibular disorder research during the Diagnostic Standardization and Epidemiology era, with affiliations at the University of Washington [3] and the University of Puget Sound [4]. Her key contributions include co-developing the Research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders: review, criteria, examinations and specifications, critique [5], which provided standardized diagnostic criteria and examination protocols, and the Epidemiology of Signs and Symptoms in Temporomandibular Disorders: Clinical Signs in Cases and Controls [6], which quantified prevalence patterns and enabled cross-study comparability. Samuel F. Dworkin [2] is a parallel figure in this era, with affiliations at the University of Washington [3] and the University of Puget Sound [4]. His contributions are evidenced by the same set of foundational works: the Research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders [5], the Epidemiology of Signs and Symptoms in Temporomandibular Disorders [6], and the Risk Factors for Diagnostic Subgroups of Painful Temporomandibular Disorders [7], which collectively supported standardized classification, epidemiologic surveillance, and risk-based understanding of TMD during this period.

Multimodal Precision and Digital Integration era

Jeffrey P. Okeson [1] is a leading figure whose work spans institutions such as Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans [3] and University of Kentucky [4] during the multimodal precision era. Okeson [1] contributed by authoring Orofacial Pain: Guidelines for Assessment, Diagnosis, and Management [7], a work that established standardized diagnostic protocols and multidisciplinary care pathways critical for advancing personalized TMJ care in this era. Charles S. Greene [2] is associated with Greenville College [5] and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign [6] in this era. Greene [2] co-authored Diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders [8] and Managing the Care of Patients With Temporomandibular Disorders [9], whose guidance advanced diagnostic criteria and management strategies foundational to evidence-based decisions between conservative and reconstructive TMJ care.