Abstract
Mandibular movements were studied in six degree-of-freedom with a newly developed Jaw Movement Analyzer in 10 subjects. This analyzer realized that the data of mandibular movements was in correspondance with the morphological data of craniomandible, with the following results.
1. A kinematic condylar point was found in a unilateral side. In the point, paths of border movements including lateral movements converged into a curved surface. This kinematic condylar point was located within the condyle reconstructed three-dimensionally by using a simultaneous lateral tomography in 18 of 20 condyles studied.
2. The range of mandibular border movement was larger than that reported before because of unrestrained condition of the subject's head.
3. The rotational angles of the mandible were 37.34° in the opening direction, 2.44° in the closing direction, 7.10° in the horizontal plane and 2.69° in the frontal plane.
4. The kinematic condylar point was located 0.6 mm anterior, 2.5 mm medial and 0.3 mm inferior to the morphological center of the condyle reconstructed three-dimensionally.
