Käkled

Käkled is the Swedish term for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the synovial joint that connects the mandible (lower jaw) to the skull's temporal bone. It is one of the most complex joints in the body, enabling both hinge movements for chewing and gliding movements for opening, closing, and side-to-side motion. Each joint contains an articular disc (meniscus) that divides the joint space into upper and lower compartments, as well as synovial fluid, capsular ligaments, and muscles of mastication surrounding it. The primary muscles involved are the masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid, which coordinate to elevate, depress, protrude, and move the jaw laterally.

Normal function requires proper alignment of the teeth, healthy joint surfaces, and controlled muscle activity. Disorders of the käkled, collectively known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), can cause facial pain, jaw stiffness, limited mouth opening, and audible clicking or popping. Contributing factors include tooth misalignment (malocclusion), bruxism (teeth grinding), stress, trauma, and arthritis. Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and patient history, with imaging such as MRI or CT used in selected cases to assess soft tissue disc position and bony changes.

Treatment is typically conservative and multidisciplinary, focusing on pain relief, improving jaw function, and addressing contributing factors. Approaches include patient education, soft diet, heat or cold therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, occlusal splints, and behavioral strategies. In refractory cases, procedures such as arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, or joint replacement may be considered. The käkled plays a central role in mastication and communication, and its health is important for daily functioning.