A Comparative Evaluation of Lateral Condylar Guidance by Clinical and Radiographic Methods – Hanau's Formula Revisited

BACKGROUND: Various clinical methods for recording the condylar guidance (CG) are the intraoral check bite method, graphic tracings, and functional recordings. Accuracy of graphic tracings is affected by patient-related factors such as neuromuscular control of the individual, stability of record bases as well as stability of recording media. The current recommended average settings using Hanau's formula questionable, and thus reassessment is needed. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to use radiographic technique to determine the lateral CG and compare these values with those obtained using Hanau's formula and to evaluate whether there are differences between the right and left paths of the condyles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty completely edentulous patients were selected. Articulator was modified with sectioned protractor for obtaining per degree interval calibration. With the protrusive records, the horizontal CG (H) was adjusted and the Bennett's angle (LCG-C) was calculated using the formula. With the tracing device in the mouth, sub-mento vertex projection radiographs were obtained. Each radiograph was traced and superimposed for Bennett angle determination (LCG-M). RESULTS: The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of right and left LCG-C were 15.45 (0.8) and 15.50 (0.7), respectively. The median (IQR) of right and left LCG-M were 37.00 (6.0) and 36.50 (6.8), respectively. A statistically significant difference exists between LCG-C and LCG-M. Both LCG-C and-M values exhibited no variations on both sides. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic technique yielded an amplified LCG when compared to the value obtained by Hanau's formula.