Authors:
S.I. Kalaykova, M. Naeije, J.J.R. Huddleston Slater, F. Lobbezoo
Source:
NTvT october 2006; 113: 391 - 396
Section:
summary:
Hypermobility of the temporomandibular joint is only noted when it interferes with smooth mandibular movements. These interferences may result from a condylar dislocation beyond the temporal eminence at maximum mouth opening. Aim of this study was to test whether the condyle of a symptomatically hypermobile temporomandibular joint is positioned more anterosuperiorly to the temporal eminence at maximum mouth opening than a condyle without hypermobility. Nine persons with a hypermobile temporomandibular joint and 9 control persons participated. Diagnostics were based upon opto-electronic mandibular movement recordings. Condylar positions at maximum mouth opening were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. A small significant difference in condylar position was found between groups. Condyles of persons with a hypermobile temporomandibular joint moved beyond the temporal eminence. However, this was also true for nearly half of the control persons. This suggests that condylar position alone is not a sufficient condition for symptomatic hypermobility of the temporomandibular joint. Maybe, symptoms of hypermobility only become apparent in combination with a particular line of action of the masticatory muscles.