Wadhwa Sunil, Kapila Sunil
Division of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, USA.
J Dent Educ. 2008 Aug;72(8):930-47.
Because their etiologies and pathogenesis are poorly understood, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases are difficult to diagnose and manage. All current approaches to treatments of TMJ diseases are largely palliative. Definitive and rational diagnoses or treatments can only be achieved through a comprehensive understanding of the etiologies, predisposing factors, and pathogenesis of TMJ diseases. While much work remains to be done in this field, novel findings in biomedicine and developments in imaging and computer technologies are beginning to provide us with a vision of future innovations in the diagnostics and therapeutics of TMJ disorders. These advances include the identification and use of local or systemic biomarkers to diagnose disease or monitor improvements in therapy; the use of imaging technologies for earlier and more sensitive diagnostics; and the use of biomedicine, biomimetics, and imaging to design and manufacture bioengineered joints. Such advances are likely to help to customize and enhance the quality of care we provide to patients with TMJ disorders.
由于颞下颌关节（TMJ）疾病的病因和发病机制尚未完全明确，因此难以诊断和治疗。目前所有治疗颞下颌关节疾病的方法大多只能缓解症状。只有全面了解颞下颌关节疾病的病因、诱发因素和发病机制，才能做出明确合理的诊断或进行有效治疗。尽管该领域仍有许多工作要做，但生物医学的新发现以及成像和计算机技术的发展，正开始为我们展现颞下颌关节疾病诊断和治疗未来创新的前景。这些进展包括识别和使用局部或全身生物标志物来诊断疾病或监测治疗效果；利用成像技术进行更早、更敏感的诊断；以及运用生物医学、仿生学和成像技术来设计和制造生物工程关节。这些进展可能有助于为颞下颌关节疾病患者提供个性化治疗，并提高我们的护理质量。
