Reproducibility of the condylar reference position.

The reproducibility of the condylar reference position was examined at the pont of unstrained hinging movement of the mandible in subjects with TMJ symptoms and in asymptomatic subjects. Three different operators performed the procedure to detect interoperator variability. Each operator made five registrations using computerized axiography in the electronic mandibular position indicator mode. Data were evaluated by an analysis of variance using three factors: (1) repetitions of the single operator, (2) data from symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients, and (3) values of different operators. The results showed that none of these factors had a significant influence on reproducibility of the condylar reference position. High reproducibility was obtained in both symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Measured values remained within +/- 0.1 mm in 58.6% and within +/- 0.2 mm in 24.3% of the registrations.