Assessment of the TMJ Dysfunction Using the Computerized Facebow Analysis of Selected Parameters

THE PURPOSE OF THE PAPER Qualitative and quantitative analysis of selected parameters of mandible movements, electronically registered in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction and healthy ones. MATERIAL Function test of the mandible movements was conducted in 175 patients. Gender distribution was 143 women and 32 men, aged 9 to 84. METHODS The studied population, after accurate clinical examination, was divided into age groups with the range of five years. All the patients had Zebris JMA computerized facebow examination done, according to the generally accepted principles and procedures. RESULTS Mean values of mouth opening calculated to 45.6 mm in healthy group and 37.6 mm in TMJ dysfunction group. Mean length of condylar path amounted to 39 ± 7% of the maximum value of mouth opening in the group of healthy people, 44 ± 11% in the case of muscle-based disorders, and 35 ± 11% with joint-based. The mean value of the condylar path inclination oscillated in the range of 25° to 45°. CONCLUSIONS The ratio of length of the condylar path to the size of mouth opening may be a significant value characterising the type and degree of intensification of the TMJ dysfunctions.