The lateral pterygoid release to restore normal jaw motion: a case report

This case reports a 31-year-old lady who experienced a closed-locked jaw for 1 year, noted upon waking. The patient's first recourse was to an Osteopath, who applied distractive mandibular techniques, which provided 1.5 cm of jaw opening. There was no further improvement for 11 months until conservative chiropractic treatment was applied intra-orally to the lateral pterygoid muscle. This immediately increased the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) range of motion a further 2.5 cm. This article focuses on the influence of the articular disc and lateral pterygoid muscle on TMJ range of motion. Attention is also given to outcomes of TMJ treatment and the evidence for conservative treatment of this joint.