[Functional investigation of the stomatognathic system attached to an ultrasound computer module]

The ARCUS digma "3D ultrasound navigator" is such an up-to-date diagnostic instrument which allows us to analyze the kinematics of the mandible. The equipment gives insight into the condylar and incisal points, the synchronous spatial movement of the right and left condylar points and the kinematic axis, its change of speed that can all refer to discoordination, limitation of movement, hypermobility leading to functional disorders. After taking medical and dental history, clinical examination and X-ray diagnosis we examined people (new patients) suffering from TMJ dysfunction with the ARCUS digma, too. We present some typical functional mandibular movements. We can not only rely on subjective judgements but it also provides an objective diagnosis based on numerical data. It does not replace but rather complies with the conventional methods and puts the diagnostic and therapeutical procedures known so far into a new dimension. The results demonstrate that this sort of investigation will not put an end to the necessity of traditional procedures used up till now but complete them, and at the same time it provides diagnostic surplus and it is indispensable for patients suffering from dysfunctional disorders to be treated in a modern way.