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Temporomandibular joint dysfunction and flat lateral guidances: a clinical association
V F Ferrario1, C Sforza, D Sigurtá
1Laboratory of Functional Anatomy of the Stomatognathic Apparatus, Institute of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan, Italy.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Abnormal temporomandibular joint movements, particularly flatter lateral guidance slopes on the affected side, indicate dysfunction. This quantitative analysis aids in diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorders and understanding their causes.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Biomechanics
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are linked to abnormal mandibular movements during chewing and jaw positioning.
- Quantitative analysis of these movements may improve diagnosis and understanding of TMJ pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively analyze mandibular laterotrusive border movements in patients with significant lateral deviation during maximum opening.
- To investigate the relationship between lateral guidance slopes and TMJ dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Studied 165 patients with lateral deviation (≥5mm) in maximum opening.
- Recorded maximum opening and laterotrusive border movements using mandibular kinesiography.
- Measured the frontal plane projection slope of lateral guidance from the maximum intercuspal position.
Main Results:
- Average lateral guidance slopes were significantly flatter on the same side as the opening deviation.
- These ipsilateral slopes were flatter than established physiologic ranges.
- Contralateral slopes were comparable to normal reference values.
Conclusions:
- Flatter ipsilateral lateral guidance slopes suggest insufficient lateral protection.
- This may correlate with temporomandibular joint dysfunction and reduced ipsilateral jaw mobility.