Biomechanical impact of sagittal curvature radius in glenoid fossa on TMJ prosthesis performance: A finite element study of custom designs.

Statement Of Problem: Although custom temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prostheses manufactured via computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) and produced through 3-dimensional (3D) printing or computer numerical control (CNC) allow for sagittal curvature adjustments in the glenoid fossa, their design remains unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consequently, the geometry is determined largely by the engineer's discretion, with limited biomechanical evidence to guide these decisions. The lack of validation regarding how sagittal curvature influences joint stress distribution under various anatomical and functional conditions represents a gap in current knowledge that warrants investigation.

Custom design of a temporomandibular joint prosthesis: A kinematic approach evaluated by finite element analysis.

Statement Of Problem: Designing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prostheses that accurately replicate natural kinematic movement and stress distribution remains a challenge because standardized methods for determining the prosthetic kinematic center are lacking. Current designs often rely on empirical placements without considering individualized kinematic parameters, which can compromise functionality and longevity.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish an optimal prosthetic kinematic center location for a custom TMJ prosthesis based on invariant TMJ anatomic landmarks to improve design efficiency, kinematic accuracy, and standardization in patient-specific applications.