Rationale and Utilization of Temporomanddibular Joint Vibration Analysis in an Orthopedic Practice

ABSTRACT

Temporomandibular joint vibration analysis (JVA) is the electronic recording of TMJ sounds, or, more accurately, vibrations occurring in the joint. Utilizing vibration transducers called accelerometers, a characteristic wave pattern is created for the various types of internal joint vibrations (conditions). Whereas the human ear cannot hear many of the frequencies that occur in the TMJ's, the accelerometers record all frequencies with equal efficiency. Once a vibration has been recorded, then it can be compared to other types of vibrations. This may make it possible to categorize the various types of internal conditions, and then, to monitor the joint status throughout treatment. Sample patients are shown with the initial and then progress joint vibration analyses. This electronic device may help answer the questions of whether orthodontic treatment helps, harms, or has any affect on the internal health of the TMJ. It may also be used to monitor different types of orthodontic treatment to help determine whether one type is more beneficial to the TMJ or not.

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Albert H. Owen

Dr. Albert H. Owen, III, attended Baylor College of Dentistry graduating in 1969. He received his graduate orthodontic training from Baylor also receiving his degree in 1971. He has had a keen interest in gnathology and has mounted over two hundred cases using a fully adjustable articulator and pantograph to analyze his final occlusal results. He has an equally keen interest in early treatment, and he has routinely used FJO in his practice since 1974. He has published more than forty articles on the subjects of FJO, cephalometrics, TMD, Crozat, and practice management. He places emphasis on finishing the occlusion with the condyle in its most physiological position. This has lead Dr. Owen to utilize vibration analysis for early treatment of adolescent and adult patients.