Abstract: A non-invasive, non-ionizing, reproducible method and apparatus for analyzing the normal and abnormal function of human and animal joints is presented. The method includes passing vibrations through the joint to be analyzed and measuring the modulation of the amplitude and the phase characteristics of the vibrations caused by movement of the joint through a predetermined cycle. More specifically, the method includes transmitting a sinusoidal vibratory signal through a joint structure to be analyzed and measuring the amplitude and phase of the signal received on the opposite side of the joint during a prescribed movement of the joint both with and without the application of external mechanical forces, and comparing the profile of the modulated signal to the profiles obtained from reference joints.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for positionally indexing the upper segment of the split ramus with respect to the maxilla, during a sagittal split ostotomy, to insure proper occlusal position of the condyle which includes positively anchoring a template to a substantial portion of the maxillary arch and providing a rearwardly-extending indexing paddle fixed to the template to overlie the ramus to permit positive indexing reference of the occlusal position of the condyle required for successful completion of the operation.