Computer-Assisted Planning and Intraoperative Navigation in the Management of Temporomandibular Joint Ankyloses

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint ankyloses are a fusion of the mandibular condyle to the base of skull. Surgical advances have stemmed from innovation in computer planning, guidance, and intraoperative navigation, allowing surgeons to restore form and function with greater precision, predictability, and safety. Preoperative computer virtual surgical planning used the computed tomography scan data to render a 3-dimensional image that can be used for surgical simulations and fabrication of intraoperative aids. Temporomandibular joint reconstruction should be considered as a predictable option in the management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Intraoperative navigation allows for continuous real-time 3-dimensional positioning of instruments.

Keywords: Computer planning; Computer-assisted surgery; Intraoperative navigation; Temporomandibular joint ankylosis; Temporomandibular joint surgery.