Measurement of normal and pathological mandibular and temporomandibular joint kinematics: A systematic review

Abstract

Motion of the mandible and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a pivotal role in the function of the dentition and associated hard and soft tissue structures, and facilitates mastication, oral communication and access to respiratory and digestive systems. Quantification of TMJ kinematics is clinically relevant in cases of prosthetic rehabilitations, TMJ disorders, osteoarthritis, trauma, tumour resection and congenital abnormalities, which are known to directly influence mandibular motion and loading. The objective of this systematic review was to critically investigate published literature on historic and contemporary measurement modalities used to quantify in vivo mandibular and TMJ kinematics in six degrees of freedom. The electronic databases of Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, Embase and Central were searched and 109 relevant articles identified. Publication quality was documented using a modified Downs and Black checklist. Axiography and ultrasonic tracking are commonly employed in the clinical setting due to their simplicity and capacity to rapidly acquire low-fidelity mandibular motion data. Magnetic and optoelectronic tracking have been used in combination with dental splints to produce higher accuracy measurements while minimising skin motion artefact, but at the expense of setup time and cost. Four-dimensional computed tomography provides direct 3D measurement of mandibular and TMJ motion while circumventing skin motion artefact entirely, but employs ionising radiation, is restricted to low sampling frequencies, and requires time-consuming image processing. Recent advances in magnetic tracking using miniature sensors adhered to the teeth in combination with intraoral scanning may facilitate rapid and high precision mandibular kinematics measurement in the clinical setting. The findings of this review will guide selection and application of mandibular and TMJ kinematic measurement for both clinical and research applications.

Treatment of Mandibular Hypomobility by Injections into the Temporomandibular Joints: A Systematic Review of the Substances Used

“…where e is the effectiveness resulting from the calculations for this study, f (7 or 9) is the final value given by the authors of the given report and i (6 or 8) is the initial value extracted from the same report. These calculations provided further data: (10) improvement in mandibular abduction; (11) reducing the value of joint pain [29][30][31][32]. In the case of mandibular mobility, values greater than 100% indicated good results of the therapy, and in the domain of pain, values less than 100% indicated a decrease in symptoms.…”

Low-Profile Electromagnetic Field Sensors in the Measurement and Modelling of Three-Dimensional Jaw Kinematics and Occlusal Loading

“…Radiographic methods such as 4D Computed Tomography, which provide direct kinematic measurement without skin motion artefact, expose the subject to ionising radiation, and have therefore had limited application. For a full review of mandibular motion tracking techniques see Woodford et al (2020) 51 . In contrast, the DMD system employed in the present study provides accurate non-invasive jaw kinematics measurement that can be rapidly performed chairside with little setup time.…”

The comprehensive on-demand 3D bio-printing for composite reconstruction of mandibular defects

“…The articular disc is a specific tissue, composed of fibrocartilage, which is located between the mandibular condyle and condylar fossa of the temporal bone [ 12 ]. TMJs control the mouth opening with translation and sliding movements and stabilize the lateral movement of the contralateral side, which require a long-term resistance to masticatory loading for all life cycles [ 13 ]. Therefore, composite tissue repair includes the fibrous tissue, bone, cartilage, and mechanical stress becomes critical consideration for the functional reconstruction of the TMJ complex.…”