Etiology, characteristics, and risk factors of severe temporomandibular joint pathology

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease is common, affecting approximately 20% of the population. In a small proportion severe TMJ pathology including ankylosis develops, immobilizing the jaw. Besides affecting speech, oral hygiene and dental care, these patients may have problems to nourish themselves properly. Because dental care may be severely compromised, dental infections are difficult to control and may become life-threatening. The aetiology of this condition is not fully understood. Treatment involves surgery in various forms and remains a debated issue. The patient group that, despite surgical intervention, relapse into severe TMJ pathology, is very difficult to manage with todays limited knowledge. The general objective of this project is to clarify the clinical and tissue characteristics, as well as risk factors behind severe TMJ pathology.