Introduction

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the synovial joint between the mandible with the temporal bone of the cranium. There are 2 joints (1 on each side) and they work bilaterally in unison. The TMJ allows depression and elevation, protraction and retraction and also side to side movements of the mandible. Analysis of these movements is one of the most commonly used methods of diagnosis in many fields of medicine and dentistry.

The TMJ can undergo a lot of pressure and stress in humans due to our constant use of the jaw for speaking, eating etc. This can cause wear and damage leading to temporomandibular joint dysfunction which can cause sever pain.