Ligament Meniscotemporal Posterior

The posterior meniscotemporal ligament (lat. ligamentum meniscotemporale posterius) is one of the ligaments of the temporomandibular joint.

The ligament connects the posterior edge of the articular disc (meniscus) to the posterior part of the articular tubercle of the temporal bone. It originates from the posterior edge of the meniscus and is directed posteriorly and laterally, attaching to the posterior surface of the articular tubercle.

The ligament limits the posterior displacement of the meniscus during movements of the mandible. Also involved in returning the meniscus to its original position after displacement.

The ligament is triangular in shape and consists of dense, inelastic fibrous tissue. It is supplied with blood from the branches of the facial artery. Innervation is carried out by branches of the trigeminal nerve.

Meniscus ligament and posterior temporal ligament

The two ligaments that are located on the back of the temporal bone are the Posterior Meningo-Temporal Ligament (l. m. temporomandibulare posterior) and the Posterior Limbic Meniscal Ligament (m. pterygoideus lateralis medialis). They bind each other and form a strong elastic ligamentous layer of the temporomandibular joint.

The key function of the Limbic Meniscope ligament (m. Pterygoid medialis) is to counteract the dislocation of the mandibular teeth by displacing the articular disc. While the Menangio-Dental Posterior Ligament binds the maxillary and mandibular jaws together for better rotation of the mandible around its own axis and prevents the displacement of its teeth from the maxillary tooth due to malocclusion or oblique bite. This is why the dental professional evaluates these ligaments and requires a complete x-ray of them before performing surgery to correct a difficult bite to ensure stability of the mandible and reduce the chance of recurrence during the surgical procedure.

Does a weak temple mean “insufficient ligament”?

The most common fracture of the temporomandibular joint is SVA, which means that there is insufficient tension, abnormal shape, or disconnection of the ligaments that hold the entire maxillotemporal complex together. Although this is a very common fracture, patients complain of pain radiating to the ear, hearing problems, nausea, memory loss and difficulty speaking. Typical causes of the lesion include biting on hard objects, strong force applied to the chin, and a forceful blow to the face. After proper treatment, SVA helps to restore full function and use this period to improve occlusion (bite) - to prevent recurrence of risk. Adults, developing bodies (adolescence), females (due to hormonal changes), pregnant women, older adults, cancer patients (with tumors of the head and neck), and those who use alcohol or drugs.

But not all the consequences of SVA can be solved only by surgical repair of the damaged ligament. Many patients may experience one or more soft tissue/musculoskeletal problems such as soft palate dysfunction, jaw tremors, tongue dysfunction syndrome ("wheezing lisp"), speech disorders, etc. These changes are supported by social impairments and/or obstructive sleep apnea require a multi-year integrated approach - surgical, medicinal and behavioral. There are various combinations of therapeutic approaches associated with SVA; some can be carried out only by a doctor, others can combine various treatment methods. Patients often benefit from being informed of the possible complications that result from lack of treatment, but they must be aware of the risks of possible repair, as it may require another surgery to correct or repair the error.