Horizontal condylar path in patients with disk displacement with reduction

In 32 patients with disk displacement with reduction, the condylar path in the horizontal plane during opening and closing movements of the mandible were analyzed with a computerized axiograph. The horizontal condylar tracings during opening were divided into 15 types. There was no clear relationship between the types and clinical symptoms. The specific correspondence of the types were revealed between the right and left joint. In 21 of 32 patients, the condyle on one side deviated medially, while the contralateral condyle deviated laterally at maximum opening. In most of the patients showing medio-lateral condylar deviation at maximum opening, a straight condylar path was observed from the maximum opening to the position just before the closing click. In some of the patients, the type of horizontal condylar tracing during opening was related to the displacement pattern of the disk assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).