Traumatic Temporomandibular Joint Luxation

Summary

The feline temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is inherently more stable than the canine or human joint through the close congruity of the feline mandibular fossa and condyle. Rostral luxation of the feline TMJ is resisted by a relatively large bony eminence. Traumatic luxations of the feline TMJ are therefore often associated with fractures of the mandibular fossa and/or condyle (1).

The anatomy of the temporomandibular joint shows variations between species. These are highlighted by comparing the human, canine and feline temporomandibular articulations.

Keywords

Temporomandibular joint - comparative anatomy

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