The Use of Electrognathography in Jaw Movement Research: A Literature Review

Abstract

The measurement of mandibular movements is a complex task that can be simplified through the use of electrognathography (EGN), an examination that can be applied as an auxiliary method for the diagnosis or follow-up of the evolution of specific therapeutics applied to the stomatognathic system. The aim of the present study was to review the literature pertaining to the use of EGN as a method for monitoring jaw movements in the research and treatments related to the stomathognathic system. A literature review was made by searching for articles in PubMED, MEDLINE (1997-2010), MEDLINE (1966-1996), LILACS, Ovid, BBO and SciELO databases. In this systematic review, 373 articles were found, of these, 23 articles were selected. The study concluded that EGN can be used with advantages in varied clinical situations, although it is a technique still not widely applied.

Experimental validation of a new model for mandibular motions

“…It is a new interdisciplinary research field of digital image processing, computer graphics and human anatomy 1–3 . The characteristics of mandibular condyles and their movements are commonly used as a critical index for mandibular function assessment, and also are the key parts of physiological activities, such as mastication and linguistic function 4,5 …”

“…[1][2][3] The characteristics of mandibular condyles and their movements are commonly used as a critical index for mandibular function assessment, and also are the key parts of physiological activities, such as mastication and linguistic function. 4,5 The mandible is the largest, strongest, and only movable bone in the human face. In the process of orthodontics, tumor resection and mandible repair, the shape of mandible and muscles would be altered, and those changes would affect masticatory function, and possibly lead to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs).…”

Mandibular border movements: The two envelopes of motion

“…In order to understand the biomechanics of the mandible, it must be considered that mandibular movements are produced by a complex series of interrelated three‐dimensional rotation and translation activities, involving the participation of several anatomical structures—that is temporomandibular joints, muscles and ligaments 4,5 . Mandibular border movements (MBMs) describe the external limits of jaw movement, 5 and it can be reproduced, unlike functional movements, which are not reproducible 4 . Most of the functional movements start in a maximum intercuspation position (MIP).…”

“…There are systems that allow 2D recording of the movements, such as videography, electronic axiography and ultrasound devices 10,11 . Others allow 3D recording of the movements, such as electrognathography and 3D electromagnetic articulography 5,7,8,12 . Among the available techniques, the use of 3D electromagnetic articulography (3D‐EMA) allows more natural movements because they do not restrict the movement of the patient's head and it also reach high temporal (up to 1 kHz) and spatial (up to 0.3 mm) precision 6,8 .…”

“…10,11 Others allow 3D recording of the movements, such as electrognathography and 3D electromagnetic articulography. 5,7,8,12 Among the available techniques, the use of 3D electromagnetic articulography (3D-EMA) allows more natural movements because they do not restrict the movement of the patient's head and it also reach high temporal (up to 1 kHz) and spatial (up to 0.3 mm) precision. 6,8 Three-dimensional EMA has been used to study the characteristics of mandibular border movements and masticatory cycles of asymptomatic participants with normal occlusion.…”