Temporomandibular Joint Kinematic Analysis

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect more than 11 million people in the United States and cause substantial economic, physical, and social burdens. Kinematic analysis is a powerful tool for objective biomechanical evaluation of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function. However, prior characterization of healthy and pathologic TMJ function are limited, restricting the ability for kinematic analysis to be utilized to improve TMD patient care. Such characterization relative to factors associated with TMD risk disparities is particularly important to inform individualized patient-centered care. Our goal is to characterize normative and pathologic kinematic function of the mechanically complex TMJ as well as functional differences by identified risk factors such as sex, skeletal malocclusion classification, and race. By combining clinical imaging and optical motion tracking, we quantify TMJ motion during various oral tasks with anatomical accuracy. This work will provide a foundational understanding of TMJ kinematics to inform interpretation of future data, development of risk analytics, clinical care decision making, and mitigation of TMD risk disparities.

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