Pure rotation in the temporomandibular joint during jaw opening? A digital motion analysis

In the temporomandibular joint two separate movements of rotation and translation occur in two articular spaces during mouth opening. Over the years, the approach has changed considerably, but it is still subject to controversy as to which of these movement is involved in the initial stage of mouth opening. In the present study, the extent of rotation and translation was investigated in the first 5 mm of mouth opening.

The study was carried out on 46 volunteers. Anamnesis was taken and patients were examined. For the investigation, an ultrasonic digital motion analyser (KaVo Arcus Digma 2) was applied. The measurements were made after calibration to an arbitrary axis. Each participant performed three open-close movements in succession, starting from maximum intercuspal position.

Data were statistically processed using cubic spline interpolation. Linear regression was then used. The resulting line is significantly (p < 0.0001) different from the horizontal that represents only rotational movement.

The results show that during mouth opening from maximum intercuspal position, translation is present continuously in addition to rotation. Therefore, it might be time to re-evaluate the principle of a pure rotational approach.