Motion analysis of the mandible: concept for standardized evaluation of computer-assisted recording of condylar movements

The method of recording mandibular movements was first introduced in dentistry as a tool for treatment planning decades ago. The objective is to capture condylar movement data for patient-specific programming of articulators with individualized adjustment. Apart from that, current systems now enable the clinician to analyze the acquired mandibular/ condylar movement recordings in order to obtain insight into the morphological situation of the temporomandibular joint region. The latest application for analysis of the recorded jaw-motion data allows a functional monitoring of the patient as a diagnostic and surveillance tool accompanying treatment. Parameters for the analysis of such recordings have already been published. However, so far a standardized and practicable protocol for the documentation and analysis of jaw-movement recordings is still lacking. Such a diagnostic protocol and the respective documentation guidelines are presented in this article by a multicenter group of authors.