[Studies on the transversal movement capacity of the TMJ]

The range of transversal movements of the temporomandibular joint was determined by electronic measurements under different types of mandibular guidance. The results illustrate that there is a certain freedom in transversal movement. The mean transversal movement of the balancing condyle supported by the operator was 0.09 mm with a maximum at 0.4 mm. The results without guidance of the mandible or under tooth guidance were found to be smaller. The mean lateral operator-guided movement of the working condyle was 0.3 mm with a maximum at 0.9 mm whilst applying a horizontally directed pressure to the angle of the mandible. Furthermore after 0.5, 1 mm and 2 mm translation of the balancing condyle, the greatest transversal movements were observed again under operator-assisted guidance. The authors recommend rules for the selection of the adjustment of semiadjustable articulators, a wax-up to provide transversal freedom in movement and a technique to check fixed restaurations for proper occlusion and articulation.