J Orofac Pain. 1993 Summer; 7(3): 283-93.

Chiropractic management of capsulitis and synovitis of the temporomandibular joint.

Curl DD, Stanwood G.

Division of Clinical Sciences, Department of Diagnosis, Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, Whittier, California 90602.

Localized inflammatory conditions (eg, synovitis and capsulitis) of the temporomandibular joint are commonly seen in clinical practice. Regardless of their frequency of occurrence, these conditions must be differentially diagnosed from conditions that also may cause pain in the temporomandibular joint region. Capsulitis or synovitis should be considered if such pain is present and historical, physical, and laboratory findings do not indicate a referred pain phenomena or systemic, tumorous, or infectious involvement. This article reviews the clinical characteristics, etiology, physical examination methods, treatment, and prognosis for capsulitis and synovitis, and three cases that illustrate these conditions are reported.