THE TMJ EAR CONNECTION

This article documents the existence of three structures that traverse through the petrotympanic fissure. These structures are the mandibula r malleolar ligament, the chorda tympani nerve and the anterior tympan ic artery. The mandibular malleolar ligament or the disk-malleolar lig ament originates on the anterior process of the mallous. It traverses through the petro-tympanic fissure and attaches to the posterior porti on of the capsule and disk of the temporomandibular joint. The chorda tympani nerve supplies sensory feeling to the posterior two thirds of the tongue. The anterior tympanic artery supplies blood to the area of the tympanic membrane. Clinical experience with implants that impinge or cover ear problems and other symptoms. Removal of these implants a nd placements with devices that do not cover these structures often re lieve these symptoms.