Clinical findings during the course of temporomandibular arthropathy.

During the painful phases of temporomandibular arthropathy, the mobility is restricted, pain is present in the affected joint on maximal horizontal movement, and the joint capsule and masticatory muscles are tender. As the joint pain ceases, mobility improves and crepitation may appear. Crepitation is the most frequent finding in patients with lasting symptoms. Contralaterally, the muscular reaction is less impressive and of shorter duration. TMJ clicking may appear contralaterally as the symptoms of arthropathy disappear. The man change in signs takes place as pain disappears. However, signs still change years after debut of arthropathy.