Virtual Planning of Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement

A total TMJ replacement surgery is currently planned based on the X-ray appearance of the facial X-ray. It is now possible to use either an individually designed TMJ prosthesis or a prosthesis with a standard appearance. It is a significantly higher cost for treatment with an individually manufactured prosthesis, but it also provides the opportunity for virtual planning of the positioning of the jaws and prosthesis.

By using a planning program with treatment simulation through the use of our own virtual models for standard prostheses, virtual planning of jaw and prosthesis positioning is possible even with a standardized temporomandibular joint prosthesis. In this way, the advantages of virtual planning are partly brought to the patients at a much lower price.

This project aims to virtually plan treatment for patients with standardized temporomandibular joint prosthesis. Patients eligible for this study are included retrospectively (have already been treated). Their X-rays will be used for treatment planning and for comparison with the treatment outcome of previous TMJ treatment.

The study will analyze the possibilities of the standardized prostheses to provide the same positions, temporomandibular joint replacements and movements of the jaw as an individual temporomandibular joint prosthesis has. This is done by measuring the planned positions of standardized temporomandibular joint prostheses compared to the treatment outcome shown by previous postoperative X-ray examinations.

The study aims to clarify the possibilities of a simpler and less expensive technology, standardized temporomandibular joint prostheses, to achieve the same good treatment outcome as a more costly technology. This with the same possibilities for treatment planning and use that the existing, more expensive technology, individual temporomandibular joint prostheses, has today.