Factors influencing the pantographic tracing of mandibular border movements.

Three studies were performed to evaluate the influence of anatomic and neuromuscular factors of pantographic tracings of mandibular border movements. In the first study, the tracing of 50 patients with TMJ and/or muscular dysfunction were made, and the data correlated with the clinical and radiologic findings. In the second study, the tracing of 20 patients were compared before and after therapy. In the third study, the tracing of 20 patients were evaluated before and after a relaxation session with biofeedback. The data showed that both articular and neuromuscular factors influence the tracing pattern. Internal derangements of TMJ, as well as muscle spasm, lead to typical tracings. The neuromuscular factor can be dramatically improved by relaxation with biofeedback. Repeated pantographic tracings before and during treatment may help in diagnosis and in the evaluation of treatment.