OSTEOPATHIC APPROACHES IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEW.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) represents a multifactorial disorder that extends beyond the articular complex to include neuromuscular, postural, and psychosomatic dimensions. This literature review analyzes the integration of osteopathic medicine into the multidisciplinary management of TMJD. The study explores five osteopathic models-biomechanical, neurological, metabolic-energetic, respiratory-circulatory, and behavioral-psychosocial-emphasizing their clinical significance for functional rehabilitation within the cranio-cervico-mandibular system. Evidence suggests that osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) significantly reduces pain, improves mandibular mobility, and restores neuromuscular balance when combined with conventional dental and physiotherapeutic modalities. However, limitations in existing research-including small sample sizes, heterogeneous methodologies, and lack of objective digital assessments-underscore the need for further randomized controlled trials employing standardized protocols and AI-based cephalometric tools to substantiate clinical outcomes.