The visual range of motion scale: analysis of mandibular gait in a chiropractic setting

The study of skeletal motion is not new to chiropractic. Many methods have been utilized within the chiropractic profession to study or detect aberrant motion. Notably absent in these chiropractic methodologies is motion analysis of the mandible and its bilateral articulations, the temporomandibular joints. The issue of adapting a uniform method of recording mandibular gait becomes especially significant in light of the fact that increasing numbers of patients with temporomandibular disorders are being treated in a chiropractic setting. Chiropractic has traditionally applied or followed carefully described motion analysis routines when investigating the spine or extremities. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to present a method of analyzing mandibular gait (visual range of motion scale) in a chiropractic setting consistent with what is known of the biomechanics and pathomechanics of the mandible and its articulations. Incorporating the visual range of motion scale into the chiropractic examination brings the evaluation of mandibular gait into line with other accepted chiropractic examination procedures.