In a surgical procedure involving a temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which structure is commonly accessed?

Accessing the articular disc is fundamental during surgical procedures involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) because it plays a critical role in the function and stability of the joint. The articular disc is a fibrocartilaginous structure that helps in the movement of the jaw and provides cushioning between the bony components of the joint, namely the mandibular condyle and the temporal bone.

In surgeries such as arthroscopy, discectomy, or repairs of the TMJ, the surgical approach often involves directly manipulating or repairing the articular disc to alleviate symptoms of TMJ disorders. Conditions like disc displacement or degenerative changes require direct access to this structure to restore the proper function of the joint and relieve pain.

Accessing other structures, like the mandibular canal, maxillary sinus, or coronoid process, would not provide the necessary means to address TMJ dysfunction directly. The mandibular canal is related to the inferior alveolar nerve and blood vessels, while the maxillary sinus is more associated with upper jaw issues, and the coronoid process pertains to muscle attachment rather than direct TMJ function. Therefore, the articular disc is the most relevant structure accessed during TMJ surgeries for functional restoration.