[Comparison of mechanical and three-dimensional electronic axiography]

Three-dimensional electronic recording of the condylar path is a reliable technique for diagnosis of internal TMJ. Since three-dimensional imaging of dislocations or repositioning movements of the TMJ is diagnostically important but complicated to provide, three-dimensional electronic recording systems are superior to simple mechanical recording techniques. In diagnostically complicated cases the working diagnosis should be confirmed either by electronic recording of the functional movements of the lower jaw or by non-invasive imaging techniques. In our opinion this is very important in all those cases, in which an anterior repositioning splint is supposed to establish a physiological disk-condyle relationship. In view of the great variability of eccentric-posterior and centric-anterior dislocations of the disk and the difficulties of available examination techniques, this modified clinical approach should be given priority among all screening techniques for internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint.