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Abstract
The results of electromyographic research on the two heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle depend largely on correct placement of the electrodes. Measurements were carried out on 24 male and 27 female skulls of known age and sex to determine the direction and depth of penetration for the placement of wire electrodes in the two heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle separately. The method of placement was simulated on human dissecting room material. With the use of a modified dental facebow, endodontic needles were placed in the direction of the two heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle in 11 human cadavers.
The point of penetration was the most cranial point of the lower border of the zygomatic arch, lateral to the sigmoid notch of the mandible; after dissection over 80% of the needles proved to be placed correctly.
The technique has since been used over 60 times on both heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle in volunteering dental students, dentists, and patients with symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction. The technique interferes with the maximal opening of the mouth, which was reduced by about 10 mm. Subjects suffered slight inconveniences after the removal of the electrodes at the end of the test procedures. These inconveniences consisted of stiffness in the jaws and muscle soreness. Hematomas or infections did not occur.
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Notes on contributors
Paul Koole
Dr. Paul Koole graduated in 1970 from Utrecht University Dental School. The Netherlands. After five years of dental practice in the Royal Netherlands Army, he started a general practice. Since 1978 he has been active in research on the functional anatomy of the human stomatognathic system in the Department of Anatomy and Embryology at the University of Groningen. The Netherlands. Dr. Koole is a member of the American Equilibration Society and numerous national dental associations.
Floris Beenhakker
Floris Beenhakker D.D.S. graduated in 1970 from Utrecht University Dental School. The Netherlands. After teaching oral physiology at Utrecht Dental School, he was in general practice until June 1987. From 1978 to 1988 he has been involved in electromyographic research of the muscles of mastication in function and pathofunction. At this moment he is head of the medical staff of a social health insurance company.
Henry J. de Jongh
Dr. Henry J. de Jongh, Ph.D.
Dr. de Jongh is a professor of Embryology in the Department of Anatomy and Embryology at the University of Groningen. The Netherlands. He studied biology and obtained his doctoral degree at the University of Leiden in 1968. From 1966 to 1968 Dr. de Jongh taught comparative anatomy at Harvard University. He has been engaged in research on electromyography since 1969.
Geert Boering
Dr. Geert Boering, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Dr. Boering is currently professor and chairman of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Groningen. The Netherlands. He started his training in oral surgery during his military service as a dental officer. Dr. Boering completed his doctoral thesis on temporomandibular joint arthrosis in 1966. He is a member of several national and international committees and associations.
