Eminence-posterior occlusal plane angle in patients with temporomandibular disorders

The causes of temporomandibular disorder are not clearly understood. The controversy regarding the role of the features, either dental or skeletal, still exists after nearly a half century of debate. The present study demonstrates an interesting correlation, expressed as an angular value, between the posterior surface of the articular eminence and the posterior occlusal plane. The group with dysfunction had a mean value significantly lower (133 +/- 4) than the group without symptoms (144 +/- 5). In light of this data, it is suggested to interpret a small eminence-posterior occlusal plane as an anatomical predisposing pattern for dysfunction.