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New Advances in the Treatment and Assessment of Temporomandibular Joint...
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New Advances in the Treatment and Assessment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 1853

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Łukasz Rafał Pałka

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Reg-Med Dental Clinic, Zary, Poland
Interests: maxillofacial surgery; bone biology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) represent a diverse group of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), associated muscles, and related oral structures. Patients suffering from this condition struggle with orofacial pain and functional impairment. Multifactorial etiologies, including biomechanical, psychological, inflammatory, and degenerative components, make TMDs some of the most difficult and demanding medical conditions to treat. The complexity of TMDs presents ongoing challenges in accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment, and long-term management.

This Special Issue aims to present recent advancements in both the assessment and treatment of TMDs, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and the integration of novel diagnostic technologies. We welcome submissions that explore novel imaging techniques, advanced biomechanical modeling of TMJ function, and the application of biomarkers to detect inflammatory and degenerative changes, as well as studies presenting new therapeutic approaches.

Moreover, this Special Issue aims to highlight the long-term effectiveness of conservative treatment approaches, including splint design, physical therapy regimens, and behavioral therapies based on biopsychosocial principles. We also encourage the submission of investigations into the relationship between TMDs and various occlusal concepts, as well as the impact of implant therapy.

Dr. Łukasz Rafał Pałka
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • orofacial dysfunction
  • multifactorial etiology
  • advanced diagnostic technologies
  • biomechanical modeling of TMJ
  • novel imaging techniques
  • inflammatory and degenerative changes
  • interdisciplinary management
  • conservative therapy approaches
  • occlusal concepts
  • splint therapy design
  • physical therapy regimens
  • long-term implant treatment outcomes
  • personalized treatment strategies

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

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15 pages, 269 KB  
Article
The Role of Central Sensitization and Emotional Comorbidities in Temporomandibular Involvement Among Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis
by José Antonio Blanco, Antonio Márquez, Esther Toledano, Rubén Queiro, Javier Martín-Vallejo, María José Fernández-Gómez, Carolina Chacón, Roberto Díaz-Peña, Daniel Martín, Cristina Hidalgo, María Dolores Sánchez, Moisés León González and Carlos Montilla
Life 2026, 16(4), 697; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16040697 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 469
Abstract
Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are frequently underdiagnosed in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and the mechanisms underlying their development remain poorly understood. While inflammatory processes may contribute, central pain sensitization and psychological factors could play a significant role in TMD pathogenesis. Objective: The [...] Read more.
Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are frequently underdiagnosed in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and the mechanisms underlying their development remain poorly understood. While inflammatory processes may contribute, central pain sensitization and psychological factors could play a significant role in TMD pathogenesis. Objective: The objectives of this study were to evaluate clinical characteristics, disease activity, psychiatric comorbidities, and pain processing mechanisms in PsA patients with and without TMD and to identify factors independently associated with temporomandibular involvement. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 190 consecutive PsA patients (CASPAR criteria) from a single tertiary center. Patients with fibromyalgia were excluded. TMD was assessed by maxillofacial specialists. Disease activity (cDAPSA), functional status (HAQ-DI), disease impact (PsAID-12), central sensitization (Central Sensitization Inventory, CSI), kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, TSK-11), pressure pain threshold (algometry), and emotional comorbidities (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS) were evaluated. An exploratory binary logistic regression identified a factor independently associated with TMD. Results: Twenty-five patients (13.1%) had confirmed TMD, with a significant female predominance (76% vs. 39%; p = 0.001). Only 24% of patients exhibited structural damage on orthopantomography. TMD patients showed higher CSI scores (52 vs. 32; p < 0.001), greater kinesiophobia (TSK-11: 30 vs. 23; p = 0.002), lower pressure pain thresholds (2.1 vs 2.7 kg/cm2; p = 0.03), and higher anxiety (HADS-A: 9 vs. 5; p = 0.001) and depression scores (HADS-D: 6.5 vs. 3; p = 0.001). TMD patients also exhibited worse functional status (HAQ-DI: 0.7 vs. 0.3; p = 0.001) and greater disease impact (PsAID-12: 4.8 vs. 2.9; p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, central sensitization (OR: 1.1; 95%CI: 1.04–1.18; p = 0.001) and anxiety (OR: 1.2; 95%CI: 1.02–1.61; p = 0.02) were independently associated with TMD (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.48). Conclusion: TMD in PsA is associated with central sensitization and anxiety rather than mechanisms secondary to bone damage. These findings support a multidimensional approach incorporating screening for central sensitization and psychiatric comorbidities in PsA patients with temporomandibular symptoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in the Treatment and Assessment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders)
9 pages, 707 KB  
Article
Medial Pterygoid Muscles Penetration by Tubero-Pterygoid Implants: Clinical, Anatomical and Statistical Insights Regarding Temporo-Mandibular Disorders (TMDs)
by Łukasz Pałka, Vivek Gaur, Calin Fodor, Magdalena Gębska, Mehul Jani, Marta Bieńkowska and Bartosz Dalewski
Life 2026, 16(2), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020350 - 18 Feb 2026
Viewed by 691
Abstract
Background: The medial pterygoid muscle (MPM) is frequently implicated in pain and dysfunction in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), owing to its functional complexity, susceptibility to overload, and rich neuromuscular control. Paradoxically, in patients rehabilitated with tubero-pterygoid implants, whose apices often penetrate or [...] Read more.
Background: The medial pterygoid muscle (MPM) is frequently implicated in pain and dysfunction in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), owing to its functional complexity, susceptibility to overload, and rich neuromuscular control. Paradoxically, in patients rehabilitated with tubero-pterygoid implants, whose apices often penetrate or traverse the MPM attachment, no pain, trismus, or TMD-related symptoms are typically observed. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of implant penetration into the medial pterygoid muscle using CBCT and clinical examination after surgery and during follow-up visits. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 56 patients receiving a total of 116 tubero-pterygoid implants protruding beyond the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone. Patients were divided into two groups according to implant penetration depth (<2 mm and >2 mm), with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Clinical outcomes related to pain, muscle disorders, and TMD symptoms were assessed. Results: Throughout the observation period, all patients remained free of pain, muscular disorders, and signs or symptoms of TMD, regardless of the degree of muscular penetration. Statistical analysis revealed no association between penetration depth and adverse clinical outcomes. Conclusions: The combined clinical and statistical evidence indicates that transmuscular penetration of the MPM by tubero-pterygoid implants is safe and well tolerated. These findings challenge traditional assumptions regarding MPM sensitivity and provide important guidance for surgical planning and maxillary rehabilitation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in the Treatment and Assessment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders)
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9 pages, 4163 KB  
Case Report
Temporomandibular Joint Ganglion Cyst Causing Dynamic External Auditory Canal Obstruction and Position-Dependent Hearing Loss: A Case Report and Literature Review
by Ali Akbar, Abdulrahman Meerza and Craig Pearl
Life 2026, 16(5), 839; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16050839 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026
Abstract
Purpose: Ganglion cysts of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are uncommon periarticular lesions and may be diagnostically challenging because symptoms are often nonspecific. When these lesions arise posterior to the joint, they can produce otologic complaints through dynamic narrowing of the external auditory canal [...] Read more.
Purpose: Ganglion cysts of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are uncommon periarticular lesions and may be diagnostically challenging because symptoms are often nonspecific. When these lesions arise posterior to the joint, they can produce otologic complaints through dynamic narrowing of the external auditory canal (EAC). Herein, we report on a histologically confirmed TMJ ganglion cyst causing position-dependent hearing loss and review the relevant literature. Case description: A 72-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of bilateral preauricular pain, left-sided tinnitus, left aural fullness, and near-complete hearing loss in the left ear when the mandible was closed in occlusion. Clinical examination showed marked narrowing of the left EAC with mandibular closure. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated bilateral anterior disc displacement with reduction and a posterior meniscal cyst associated with the left TMJ. The lesion was excised using a preauricular approach. Results: Intraoperatively, the cyst was adherent to the posterior aspect of the TMJ disc and retrodiscal tissues and was noted to obstruct the EAC in the closed-mouth position. Gross examination showed a cystic structure measuring 2.4 × 2.1 × 1.0 cm which contained gelatinous material, while histopathology confirmed that the structure was a ganglion cyst. The patient’s hearing improved substantially by 4 months after surgery and had returned to normal 2 years later, with no clinical evidence of recurrence. Conclusions: Posterior TMJ ganglion cysts should be considered in patients with fluctuating otologic symptoms that vary with mandibular movement. MRI is valuable for diagnosis and surgical planning, and open excision can provide durable symptom resolution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in the Treatment and Assessment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders)
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