Anatomical Variations in the Articular Disc of the Human Tempromandibular Joint

Authors

• John M. Barton, Creighton University
• Margaret A. Ellenbecker, Creighton University

Date of this Version

1987

Document Type

Article

Comments

1987. Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences, xv: 1-4. Copyright © 1987 Barton and Ellenbecker

Abstract

Perforations occur in the articular discs of human temporomandibular joints. They are of three types, based on location: lateral, central, and posterior. The lateral and central perforations occur in essentially equal numbers while the posterior perforations are uncommon (less than 10%). Lateral perforations occur primarily in edentulous individuals and are equally distributed between males and females. Central perforations occur most often in dentulous females. Posterior perforations occur only in edentulous persons and are equally distributed between males and females. No clear evidence of anterior disc displacement (internal derangement) was seen.