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Objective discrimination between mandibular open/close excursion patterns: a clinical case report.
Gillian M Johnson1, Heather Coe, Rebekah Wirawan
1School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. gill.johnson@otago.ac.nz
Cranio : the Journal of Craniomandibular Practice
|August 19, 2007
Summary
This case report identified specific jaw movement patterns in temporomandibular dysfunction. Asymmetrical jaw movements showed distinct rotation and translation differences compared to symmetrical ones.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
- Movement Analysis
Background:
- Myogenic temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) presents with varied mandibular movement patterns.
- Objective kinematic analysis is crucial for understanding TMD progression and treatment efficacy.
- Differentiating between symmetrical and asymmetrical mandibular excursions is key in TMD assessment.
Observation:
- A patient with myogenic TMD underwent kinematic analysis of mandibular excursions over 15 weeks.
- Two distinct movement patterns, deemed asymmetrical and symmetrical, were recorded using a 12-camera motion analysis system.
- Kinematic variables were captured in six degrees-of-freedom and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.
Findings:
- Asymmetrical mandibular excursion patterns were characterized by increased axial rotation and decreased sagittal rotation.
- No significant differences in translational movement were observed between symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns.
- The kinematic findings corroborated the patient's and physiotherapist's qualitative assessments of movement quality.
Implications:
- Kinematic analysis provides objective data to differentiate between symmetrical and asymmetrical mandibular movements in TMD.
- Understanding these kinematic differences can refine treatment strategies for myogenic TMD.
- This case report highlights the value of motion analysis in evaluating the effectiveness of exercise programs for TMD.
