Optimum temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condylar position

Controversy exists over the value of the TMJ condylar position in the fossa. Many clinicians associate the concentric position to the normal individuals and the retruded position to the dysfunctional condition. It is also recommended that therapeutically, the condyle should be placed on the posterior slope of the articulating eminence. Different groups of investigators claim that the condylar position, centric, retruded or protruded has little or no value and is not correlated with dysfunctional situations. This controversy is attributed to the inconsistency of research methodology. Using a large number of subjects, defining age and sex, careful selection of subject, using tomographic analysis with similar section locations and excluding individuals with disturbed occlusal condition are recommended for a research of this type. The conclusion is that the condylar position is an end product of many dynamic changes such as growth and remodeling, functional matrix activities, occlusal alteration, functional adaptation and individual variation. It is suggested that diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders should not be based solely on the radiographic position of the condyle. Consideration of general body conditions is an essential part of total patient management. TM joint condylar position has been explained as the position of the mandibular condyles in the glenoid fossa when teeth are in maximum intercuspation. Clinicians have based their diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder on this position. The optimal condylar position has been a controversial matter in dentistry for many years. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature pertaining to condylar position and to discuss its significance in clinical practice.