[Determination of transverse resilience of human temporomandibular joint]

Transversal TMJ-resiliency is defined as a possible movement of the condyles exclusively in the lateromedial direction. The extent of this individual and variable shifting of the condyles can be recorded and reproduced using high-resolution electronic axiography and a special manipulating technique by the dentist. A study on 52 patients showed an average value of 0.3 mm for the transversal resiliency, which can be considered as physiological range. The results were discussed along with the question for the relevance of transversal TMJ-resiliency measuring regarding TMJ-disorders.