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Mouth opening limitations of arthrogenous nature are subdivided according to a personal schedule into indirect and direct types. The former are brought on by occlusal alterations: these affect articular remodelling and may cause anatomical and functional changes of varying gravity in the temporo-mandibular joint with consequent limitations on opening movements. The latter are the consequence of various pathogenic agents (traumatic, neoplastic, inflammatory, degenerative) originating within the articular structures and developing therein, progressively limiting their function. Some significant personal cases are reported and on the basis of the series the aetiopathogenetic problems of the various forms are discussed, with emphasis on those which represent the basic criteria for therapy.