In this manuscript, we discuss our approach to developing novel patient-specific total TMJ prostheses. Our unique patient-fitted designs based on medical images of the patient's TMJ offer accurate anatomical fit, and better fixation to host bone. Special features of the prostheses have potential to offer improved osseo-integration and durability of the devices. The design process is based on surgeon's requirements, feedback, and pre-surgical planning to ensure anatomically accurate and clinically viable device design. We use the validated methodology of FE modeling and analysis to evaluate the device design by investigating stress and strain profiles under functional/normal and para-functional/worst-case TMJ loading scenarios.
Keywords: 3D models; TMJ; biomaterials; custom devices; finite element analysis; mandibles.