Temporomandibular Joint Conditions in Patients with Craniofacial Microsomia (Literature Review)

Syndromes of I and II gill arches called maxillofacial dysostoses are accompanied by damage of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Craniofacial microsomia is one of the of maxillofacial dysostoses. This syndrome has a number of features associated with clinical manifestations which should be taken into account at steps of the diagnosis and treatment of such patients. The degree of mandibular hypoplasia in this pathology can vary from 0 to 3, and it is inversely proportional to the integrity of the articular disc on the side of the lesion. An increased mechanical load on a healthy joint leads to its dysfunction and dislocation of the articular disc at the healthy side. In addition to hypoplasia of bone structures, craniofacial microsomia is accompanied by subatrophy of masticatory muscles and that in couple leads to malocclusion and myodynamic imbalance. Before drawing up a treatment plan it is necessary to study the state of the TMJ on both sides using multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The approach to treatment should be individual, combined, staged, based on the severity of the symptom complex.