ORTHOPEDIC JAW MOVEMENT OBSERVATIONS .1. DETERMINATION AND ANALYSIS OF THE LENGTH OF PROTRUSION

An analysis and quantitication of protrusive and retrusive mandibular movement is provided. This report is one study along with four other p arts analyzing the mandibular opening movement, the transversal shift during protrusion and retrusion, the mediotrusive movement and mastica tion. Protrusive movements of 225 individuals (1 80 patients, 45 volun teers) were analyzed using computerized axiography. Investigating both asymptomatic volunteers and patients with abnormal joint mobility hel ps to improve evaluation of these abnormalities. With the aid of diagn ostic computer software, the length of the pathways was measured and t he characteristics of the curves were analyzed. An average group was d efined based on the values found in asymptomatic individuals, comprisi ng 50% of our volunteers. The interquartile range for the male volunte ers was 8.79 - 12.27 mm for the right joint and 9.43 - 12.93 mm for th e left joint; for female volunteers it was 8.32 - 10.64 mm and 9.2 - 1 1.26 mm, respectively.