A Functional Approach to Orofacial Orthopaedics

Abstract

In general orthopaedics, the clinical relevance of muscular functions has been long recognised. It is suggested that in the development of skeletal deformities a faulty postural performance pattern may play an important causative role. Therefore the primary therapeutic problem in functional orthopaedics is to overcome these functional disorders. From the excellent results achieved by these methods the question arises, are we not obliged to follow the example set by general orthopaedists? It is the purpose of this article to demonstrate that this can be realised, provided that faulty postural performances are seen in a close functional inter-relationship with spatial disorders in the oro-naso-pharyngeal spaces.