Rationale and utilization of temporomandibular 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.