[Variation of the terminal hinge axial position in different methods of registration]

In order to determine the variation of individual terminal hinge axis positions in the sagittal plane, 118 stomatognathicly healthy patients were subjected to three occlusal registration methods. The Lauritzen manipulation method, the Dawson registration method and the McGrane central bearing point method were carried out on each subject. The paraocclusal pneumatic axiography was used for direct measurements on the subjects. The mean values obtained for the Lauritzen terminal hinge axis position differed from those of the Dawson position by about 0.2 +/- 0.2 mm on the right side and by about 0.3 +/- 0.2 mm on the left. 68% of the Dawson registrations were positioned cranially to the Laurizen axis location. The position determined by means of the central bearing point method differed from the Lauritzen position by 0.4 +/- 0.3 mm on the right and by 0.4 +/- 0.2 mm on the left. 64% of all registrations were positioned cranially in relation to the Lauritzen reference points. It is concluded that different methods of terminal hinge axis recording show slight variations in position of the individual terminal hinge axis location, i.e. mandibular position.