Temporomandibular Joint Herniation: Review of the Literature

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To define clear clinical characteristics and management strategies of herniation of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) into the external auditory canal (EAC).

DATA SOURCE:

MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE databases.

STUDY SELECTION:

A search was conducted using the keywords "temporomandibular joint" and "herniation" with all of their synonyms. Literature selection criteria included articles published in English, and articles dating back no further than 1970.

RESULTS:

Forty articles regarding 51 cases were eligible for critical appraisal. According to the previously published papers, TMJ herniation has following characteristics; symptoms are nonspecific, but a distinguishable feature is a protruding mass into the EAC that can be seen to appear and disappear as the mouth opens and closes. High-resolution computed tomography scans are sensitive to the bony defect and are helpful in diagnosing TMJ herniation. In the surgical treatment of TMJ herniation, wall reconstruction rather than simple mass excision could be a safe and long-lasting strategy.

CONCLUSIONS:

Herniation of TMJ into the EAC is a rare condition, but can be encountered in the clinic at any time. This literature review could be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ herniation into the EAC.