Temporomandibular Joint: Disorders, Imaging, Diagnosis and Treatment

This is a novel course aimed at advancing the knowledge of TMJ disorders, diagnostic imaging and technical skills of the attendees in various real-life scenarios of TMJ disorders in dogs and cats. The course involves a full day dedicated to the fundamentals of the TMJ, diagnostic imaging and disorders. The attendees will increase their understanding of the up-to-date understanding of the TMJ function-structure relationship and various imaging modalities and practice image manipulation including three-dimensional rendering of real cases. In the second day of the course, the attendees will learn and practice a combination of surgical approaches using various techniques to manage TMJ disorders on cadaver models. Combined, the attendees will experience a diversity of repair modalities. The theoretical lectures are designed to provide the attendees with a platform to understand and perform each procedure. We will cover important imaging and TMJ conditions frequently seen in dogs and cats that require surgical repair or medical management. Furthermore, we will methodically approach common and advanced scenarios encountered before, during and after TMJ surgeries. The hands-on labs will be designed to progress from imaging and surgical planning to clinical/surgical management of TMJ disorders. Management of TMJ disorders is challenging and requires advanced training in real-life scenarios. This course is recommended for board-certified surgeons and board-certified dentists as well as for residents interested in advancing to the next level of management of TMJ disorders.