THE ANCHORED DISC PHENOMENON - A PROPOSED ETIOLOGY FOR SUDDEN-ONSET, SEVERE, AND PERSISTENT CLOSED LOCK OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT

This article establishes a rationale for a particular type of sudden a nd severely restricted mouth opening caused by anchoring of the disc t o the fossa termed anchored disc phenomenon, describes the possible pa thogenesis of this disorder, and recommends appropriate treatment. The clinical characteristics supporting the proposed pathogenesis, and tr eatment of the disorder ave based on data published in the literature and clinical experience with the diagnosis and treatment of this disor der.