Condylographic evaluation of propulsive and Bennett angles in patients with temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

Introduction Mandibular kinetics is composed of a series of complex movements regarding opening and closing and latero-lateral movements. The procedure for registration of this trajectory is condylography. This procedure represents a diagnostic method for monitoring and registering the movements of the mandibular condyles. The analysis starts from the most distal position of the condyle to the maximum propulsive point and latero-lateral maximum extensions. The aim of this examination is to compare the trajectory of movement of the mandibular condyle in patients with symptoms of TMD, in the acute phase and the trajectory after the treatment and corrections of intermaxillary relations. Materials and methods The examination was carried out in 20 (10 men and 10 women) patients of PHO Denta Estetika Team Skopje. The patients were complaining about pain, limitation of movements and crepitations in the temporomandibular joint as well as difficult mastication. Condylographic measurements were made with the Kavo Arcus Digma digital condylograph. The registration of the movements was done in two sessions, before and after the treatment. Results There was no statistically significant difference in temporomandibular condyle movement angles before and after the treatment in patients with TMD. There was a statistically significant difference in the value of Bennett's angle. Easier and more accurate movements of mandible were noticed in the patients after the treatment.

Keywords

• condylography
• condylar movement path
• functional diagnostics
• jaw movement
• temporomandibular joint
• temporomandibular joint disorders