Custom-made Temporomandibular Joint Mechanical Simulation: Different Fixation Pattern

Abstract

Nowadays Computed Aided Design (CAD) and additive manufacture technologies are widely used in orthopedic field. These technologies allow to build anatomic 3D model in CAD software from tomographic data and then to fabricate a replacement device matching patient specific anatomy. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is small size joint and its replacement surgery is complicated and requires specialized surgeons. Thus CAD allows surgery planning and custom-made TMJ prosthesis developing. This study shows a pre-operative step that is to simulate physiological mechanical loading of TMJ replacement device in Ansys software with the purpose of testing device mechanical resistance and verifying osseointegration. Correct fitting is the primary stability which is necessary for osseointegration process to take place and so replacement device gain long-term stability. Therefore different pattern of screw fixation are tested and the effect in terms of strain and stress generated is evaluated to predict post-implant mechanical behaviour.