Description of population and progress of symptoms in a longitudinal study of temporomandibular arthropathy.

The progress of symptoms in temporomandibular arthropathy can be divided into six phases. Phases 1 and 2 make up an initial stage of clicking and locking, Phases 3 and 4 an intermediate stage of temporomandibular joint pain and constriction, and Phases 5 and 6 make up a terminal stage of crepitation and constriction followed by freedom from symptoms. The abrupt replacement of clicking and locking by pain and constriction is highly characteristic and may be considered the true debut of arthropathy. During the course of arthropathy all temporomandibular joint symptoms but crepitation improve, resulting practically always in freedom from symptoms. Complete recovery is most favorable in the case of full dentures of intact natural dentition. Subject to some variation, the three stages endure 4, 1, and 1/2 year, respectively; unaffected by age, dentition or eliciting factors. Relapses of arthropathy seem unlikely whereas muscular symptoms or contralateral clicking may develop.