Common TMJ Signs
- Click / pop — disc displacement with reduction
- Locking — disc displacement without reduction
- Crepitus — degenerative joint disease
- Bruxism — night grinding, masseter tension
- Ear symptoms — tinnitus/fullness/otalgia
- Headache — temporalis or cervicogenic contribution
TMJ Tests
| Test | Assesses | Position | Positive Finding | Modification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Finger Test | Mouth opening | Seated | Cannot fit 3 fingers | Dentures/age affect interpretation. |
| Deviation Assessment | Disc/condyle movement | Seated | Jaw deviates/deflects | Use mirror/visual cue. |
| Condyle Palpation | Joint pain/click/crepitus | Seated | Pain/click/asymmetry | Gentle in paeds. |
| Muscle Palpation | Masseter/temporalis/pterygoids | Seated | Trigger points/tenderness | Intraoral only if trained/consented. |
References: OSTEOPATHY TMJ and Sinus Notes; OSTEOPATHY Cervical & Thoracic Spine Assessment.