title: [Three-dimensional reconstruction of temporomandibular joint with CT and MRI medical image fusion technology].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China.
authors.forename: You-Lai
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Yue-Hua
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Dong-Mei
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Cheng-Tao
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed