title: [Clinical examination of the temporomandibular joint (author's transl)].
abstract: The temporomandibular joints and the dental articulation are physiologically closely related structures which form the "temporomandibulo-syndesmodental joint" complex described by Robin. Clinical examination is usually necessary because of pain, which may follow irradiation of the joints. The psychosomatic component may play a major role. Studying joint movements, combined with inspection and palpation enables the function of each joint to be assessed, together with its synchronization with the contralateral joint. Deduction movements are reliable indicators of joint movement capacity, their alterations often being the easiest to demonstrate. Dental articulation must be studied at the same time. Standard radiographs with the mouth open and closed are usually quite sufficient, tomography being necessary in only a precise, limited number of cases.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*
vernacular_title: Examen clinique de l'articulation temporo-mandibulaire.