Man Ther. 1997 Nov; 2(4): 191-198.

Retrodiscal tissue of the temporomandibular joint: clinical anatomy and its role in diagnosis and treatment of arthropathies.

Langendoen J, M�ller J, Jull GA.

Private Practice, Kempten, Germany

SUMMARY. Physiotherapists are working increasingly with the dental profession to treat patients with craniomandibular disorders. Temporomandibular arthropathies are some of the more difficult conditions to treat. The retrodiscal tissues of the articular complex can be injured and be a source of pain or they may contribute to the development of arthropathies. This review will consider the clinical anatomy, the kinematics and the pathology of the retrodiscal tissues in the bilaminar zone of the temporomandibular joint. Their role in the etiology of temporomandibular arthropathies is presented and proposals for manual testing and treatment are made. Copyright 1997 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.