[Axiographic irregularities in patients with different clinical function statuses]

A group (n = 20) of young, clinically symptom-free subjects (Helkimo Di = 0) was compared with a group (n = 22) of TMJ-patients (Di greater than 2) regarding the frequency and the amount of axiographic findings of malfunction. 5 different mandibular movements were monitored using the SAS-system with tenfold magnification in 2 planes of recording. An analysis of these results showed significant effects in several parameters. According to these findings the highest reliability to detect functionals differences is at the maximum distance between the ex- and incursive tooth-guided protrusive path in the sagittal-vertical plane. Although other parameters showed only slight discrepancies, a cautious interpretation of axiographic tracings must be recommended.