The contribution of computerized axiography to the functional evaluation of the temporomandibular joint: a case report

Abstract

The aim of this case report is to give comprehensive information on the clinical use of computerized axiography (CA) in the evaluation of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) mobility in a patient who undergoes orthognatic surgery. A 20-year-old female patient with class III skeletal anomaly and who underwent orthognatic surgery is presented. Pre- and postsurgical CA recordings for the patient are compared in order to evaluate the functional modifications that appear. The CA is a functional investigation of the TMJ and records the border movements of the mandible: protrusion, lateral movements and open/close. The starting point for every movement is the centric relation position. This allows for very high reproducibility of the CA and the data can later become available for comparison of examinations performed at different times. The CA can offer data to programme an articulator or to evaluate the functional evolution of the TMJs after various occlusal interventions (prosthodontic, orthodontic or orthognatic). After comparing the pre- and postsurgical CA recordings, a significant improvement of the TMJ function after the repositioning of the maxilla and mandible through orthognatic surgery was confirmed. In conclusion, our case confirms the results in literature that CA is a reproducible and reliable investigation method in the evaluation of TMJ function in orthognatic surgery patients, that it facilitates the monitoring of the evolution of the functionality of the TMJ ever time and that it allows for comparative evaluation of the two TMJs.

Temporomandibular dysfunction diagnosis by means of computerized axiography

“…Computerised axiography was also used in other studies (Botos et al, Ikeda et al, Schierz et al, Ahangari et al) which validate the accuracy of the device in the reproducibility of mandibular movements in the 3 planes. Nevertheless there are studies that consider further research to be necessary regarding the evaluation of the possibility of diagnosing TMJ dysfunction using a computerized axiograph [ 2 , 4 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 13 , 14 ].…”

“…Temporomandibular dysfunction is a very frequent pathology that raises important diagnostic concerns and, thus, requires careful treatment planning and selection. A precise diagnosis of the temporomandibular dysfunction type, in addition to clinical examination according to a well-established protocol, requires a series of complementary examinations: radiographs, ultrasound, cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT), MRI (which provides structural information), axiography (condylography) and assessing mandibular movements (which provide functional information) [ 1 , 2 ].…”

“…It is more accessible to a dental office than other imaging devices (ultrasound, MRI) and can be a valuable tool in a more accurate diagnosis of the types of intra-articular disorder. In the literature, sensitivity and accuracy of computer axiography do not present consistent relevant data in order to be used in the diagnosis of temporomandibular dysfunctions [ 2 – 4 ].…”

Functional Removable Prosthetic Rehabilitation Using the Electronic Condylograph: A Case Report

“…The aim of this article is to show how the electronic condylograph may provide the parameters for articulator setting, as well as information about the neuromuscular system, the morphofunctional state of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), and the reciprocal connection between the mandibular dynamics and dental occlusion [9][10][11][12]. To this end, the JMAnalyser + (Zebris Medical GmbH, Isny im Allgäu, Germany), an ultrasonic motioncapture device supported by the software program "WINJAW+" (Zebris Medical GmbH, Isny im Allgäu, Germany), was used.…”

Condylar Movement Assessment is Severe Attrition Patient Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment: Joint Vibrant Analysis Procedure

“…Functional evaluation of the opening-closing movement of the condyle heads in TMJs is necessary to observe. Different techniques are used for this purpose, among them computerized axiography [9], ultrasonic jaw-tracking devices for sagittal condylar inclination [10] and others.…”