The function of the articular eminence is to limit the forwards movement of the condyle. The ligament directly associated with the TMJ is the temporomandibular ligament, also termed the lateral ligament, which really is a thickening of the lateral aspect of the fibrous capsule. The stylomandibular ligament and the sphenomandibular ligament are not directly associated with the joint capsule. Together, these ligaments act to restrict the extreme movements of the joint. Muscles of mastication
The muscles of mastication are paired on each side and work together to produce the movements of the mandible. The main muscles involved are the masseter, temporalis and medial and lateral pterygoid muscles. They can be thought of in terms of the directions they move the mandible, with most being involved in more than one type of movement due to the variation in the orientation of muscle fibers within some of these muscles. Protrusion – Lateral and medial pterygoid. Retraction – Posterior fibers of temporalis (and the digastric and geniohyoid muscles to a lesser extent). Elevation – Anterior and middle fibers of temporalis, the superficial and deep fibers of masseter and the medial pterygoid. Lateral movements – Medial and lateral pterygoid (the ipsilateral temporalis and the pterygoid muscles of the contralateral side pull the mandible to the ipsilateral side).Each lateral pterygoid muscle is composed of 2 heads, the upper or superior head and the lower or inferior head.
Treatment
Treatment may consist of topical applications of steroid based creams and the use of compression stockings or intermittent pneumatic compression pumps, to help force the underlying buildup of fluids back out of the lower leg.Compression therapy should consist of moderate pressures and works best for ambulating patients. Ultimately, treating the underlying venous reflux is necessary to treat Stasis dermatitis. Invasive surgical procedures like saphenofemoral junction ligation with stripping were the norm for treatment in the past. However, less invasive methods are now more widely used. These newer methods include endovenous thermal ablation, ambulatory phlebotomy, and ultrasound foam sclerotherapy. Complications
If stasis dermatitis goes untreated, the patient is at risk of developing venous ulcers and Acroangiodermatitis. See also
Sinus pericranii
List of cutaneous conditions

References


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