M26.633 Articular disc disorder of bilateral temporomandibular joint

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Articular Disc Disorder of Bilateral Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)**
- Also known as TMJ Disc Derangement or TMJ Internal Derangement

#### Summary
Articular disc disorder of the bilateral temporomandibular joint refers to a condition affecting the discs that cushion the joints connecting your jawbone to your skull. When these discs are misaligned or damaged, it can lead to pain and restricted jaw movement.

#### Causes
- Trauma to the jaw (e.g., a blow or impact)
- Habitual teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Structural jaw abnormalities
- Arthritis in the TMJ

#### Risk Factors
- Genetic predisposition to joint or connective tissue disorders
- Stress leading to teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- Gum chewing or nail-biting habits
- Certain connective tissue diseases, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

#### Symptoms
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Difficulty in opening or closing the mouth
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving the jaw
- Jaw locking or inability to move it fully

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination by a dentist or oral surgeon
- Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to view the joint and disc position
- Patient history evaluation focusing on symptoms

#### Treatment Options
- **Medications:** pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants
- **Physical Therapy:** exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles
- **Oral Splints or Mouthguards:** to prevent teeth grinding at night
- **Surgery:** in severe cases, to correct misalignment or repair the joint

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Many patients experience symptom relief with treatment, though some may have chronic symptoms.
- Regular dental or medical check-ups are important to monitor progress and adjust treatments as necessary.

#### Complications
- Chronic jaw pain
- Difficulty eating or speaking
- Potentially leading to arthritis in the jaw joint if untreated

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Stress management techniques to reduce teeth grinding
- Avoiding gum chewing and nail-biting
- Maintaining a diet with softer foods to minimize jaw strain

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Persistent or severe jaw pain
- Signs of jaw joint locking
- Inability to fully open or close the mouth comfortably

#### Additional Resources
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)
- TMJ Association [https://www.tmj.org](https://www.tmj.org)
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research [https://www.nidcr.nih.gov](https://www.nidcr.nih.gov)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure bilateral involvement is specified for accurate coding as M26.633.
- Double-check for documentation supporting the disc disorder specifics.
- Avoid confusion with other temporomandibular joint disorders.

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