ABSTRACT

TMJ movements are influenced by many anatomic and physiologic factors. Articular eminence is an important anatomic structure affecting the condyle movements. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of articular eminence morphology on TMJ movements using computerized axiography (Denar® Cadiax Compact). The study material consisted of axiographic tracings and radiographs of 20 healthy volunteers (9 girls and 11 boys) who had been diagnosed as skeletal and dental class I, no TMJ symptoms considering the stated criteria and no restorations. The correlation between axiographic tracings and articular eminence height was investigated. A positive correlation was found between eminence height and length of protrusion movement for both left and right sides (p<0,05 left, p<0,01 right) and no correlation was found between the eminence height and open-close tracings. The area under the tracing curve for protrusion movement of the right side is correlated with the eminence height (p<0,05). Articular eminence height is an anatomic factor influencing the condyle movements. Healthy individuals may have TMD symptoms.