[Temporomandibular menisci]

Abstract

The temporo-mandibular meniscus is an anatomical structure which has been the subject of very little recent research. The usual macroscopic and dynamic tests were actually carried out on anatomical specimens taken from injected corpses whose anatomical structures were discoloured, stiff, hardened and unrecognizable, or from meniscectomy for pathological meniscus. In order to approximate as nearly as possible to the actual conditions under which anatomical testing is carried out, we dissected and removed 50 temporo-mandibular meniscuses from fresh corpses (14 females, 11 males between the ages of 42 and 78). Here are the partial conclusions from the macroscopic, microscopic and mechanical study of these 50 meniscuses caried out by us.