Diagnostic steps in disc luxations and other frequent diseases of the temporomandibular joint

Modern diagnosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) consists of multiple steps, based on each other and amplifying one another. The first step is the clinical functional analysis, respecting general medical as well as specific dental aspects. If need arises electronic axiography, recording the movement of TMJ hingeaxis, is being added as well as occlusal analysis on mounted plaster casts. In case of open questions at this point of analysis, magnetresonance- and computer-tomographic imaging is brought in. The present paper is an overview describing the current step by step diagnosis of TMJ disorders, with special attention to luxation-reduction mechanism in the joints. (orig.)