[Three-dimensional reconstruction of temporomandibular joint with CT and MRI medical image fusion technology].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the method of the three-dimensional reconstruction of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on the basis of CT and MRI medical image fusion technology, which establishes good foundation for a series biomechanical studies and clinical analysis.


METHODS
The geometric data for the TMJ model were obtained from a young and healthy male volunteer. Twelve spherical markers were located on the regions of both TMJ and mental tubercles, where CT and MRI scans can reach. The three-dimensional geometric of the hard and soft tissues of TMJ was reconstructed by CT and MRI scans data, which was based on the registration procedures of spherical markers located on the face of the volunteer.


RESULTS
The three-dimensional geometric model of TMJ was obtained, including hibateral articular disc, mandible, glenoid fossa and inferior teeth, and it had better geometric similarity. The results showed that the methods of three-dimensional reconstruction of TMJ with CT and MRI medical image fusion technology can be operated easily and promptly. The constructed model had good morphology.


CONCLUSIONS
It is feasible to construct the three-dimensional model of TMJ on the basis of the registration procedures of spherical markers and CT-MRI medical image fusion technology. It has the advantage of simulating both hard and soft tissues reasonably. The model well expresses the shape of the TMJ.
Lin
You-Lai
YL
Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China.
Liu
Yue-Hua
YH
Wang
Dong-Mei
DM
Wang
Cheng-Tao
CT
D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed