Mandibular border positions and their relationships with peripheral joint mobility.

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Anatomy
• Biomechanical Analysis

Background:

• Generalized joint hypermobility is a recognized clinical finding.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can impact oral function.
• Understanding the relationship between systemic joint laxity and TMJ mobility is clinically relevant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential correlations between generalized peripheral joint mobility and temporomandibular joint border movements in dental students.
• To explore sex-based differences in joint mobility within this cohort.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-one dental students were assessed using a modified Carter and Wilkinson Index for peripheral joint mobility.
• Mandibular border positions (mouth opening, laterotrusion, protrusion) were measured actively and passively.
• Statistical analysis was performed to identify correlations between joint mobility measures.

Main Results:

• Few weak correlations were observed between peripheral joint mobility and temporomandibular joint measurements.
• Females demonstrated significantly greater peripheral joint mobility than males, particularly in passively measured joints.
• Mandibular border positions showed significant intercorrelations in males, but not in females.

Conclusions:

• Generalized joint mobility appears to have limited correlation with temporomandibular joint border positions in dental students.
• Sex differences in peripheral joint mobility are evident, with females being more mobile.
• Further research into TMJ 'end-feel' and its relation to joint mobility is warranted.