Assessment of the TMJ Dysfunction Using the Computerized Facebow Analysis of Selected Parameters

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Orthodontics
• Dental Biomechanics

Background:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction affects mandible movement.
• Accurate quantitative analysis of jaw movements is crucial for diagnosis.
• Electronic registration offers precise data for TMJ disorder assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a qualitative and quantitative analysis of mandible movement parameters.
• To compare these parameters between patients with TMJ dysfunction and healthy individuals.
• To identify key indicators for characterizing TMJ dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• 175 patients (143 female, 32 male; aged 9-84) underwent functional mandible movement tests.
• Patients were clinically examined and divided into 5-year age groups.
• Zebris JMA computerized facebow examination was utilized for data acquisition.

Main Results:

• Mean mouth opening was 45.6 mm in healthy individuals and 37.6 mm in TMJ dysfunction patients.
• Condylar path length relative to mouth opening differed: 39±7% (healthy), 44±11% (muscle disorders), 35±11% (joint disorders).
• Mean condylar path inclination ranged from 25° to 45°.

Conclusions:

• The ratio of condylar path length to mouth opening size is a significant metric.
• This ratio can characterize the type and severity of TMJ dysfunctions.
• Quantitative analysis of mandible movements aids in understanding TMJ disorder progression.