A cephalometric study on the relationship between mandibular opening movement and morphology of craniofacial skeleton

Kim, Min Shil; Chung, Kyu Rhim

Abstract

Lateral cephalometric X-ray films in maximal intercuspation and maximal opening of 68 children were taken and analyzed to examine the pattern of condylar movement and to study the relationship between opening movement and morphologic factors of craniofacial skeleton. The results were as follows : 1. The mean value of maximal opening capacity was 47.1mm, condylar moving distance was 18.1mm, horizontal condyle movement was 17.5mm, vertical condyle movement was 3.8 mm and condylar moving angle was 13.1degrees. 2. The maximal opening capacity had positive relationship with the length of anterior cranial base, mandible and maxillary complex and with posterior facial height and had negative relationship with articular angle, sagittal jaw relationship. 3. Vertical condyle movement and condylar moving angle had positive relationship with articular angle and had negative relationship with gonial angle. 4. Horizontal condyle movement and condylar moving distance had positive relationship with the length of maxillary complex.