[Post-traumatic temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome and the problems raised by its imputation].

Direct, certain and total imputability of trauma as the cause of mandibular joint dysfunction is often difficult to establish. The theoretically obligatory conditions are rarely met, making the expert's opinion quite difficult to establish. The complexity of the pathophysiology involved in mandibular joint dysfunction confirms however the reality of this sequella. By determining the precise lesional or functional origin of the syndrome and the latent or patent nature of the prior status it is possible to ascertain intermediary situations.