title: Three-dimensional temporomandibular joint modeling and animation.
abstract: The three-dimensional (3D) temporomandibular joint (TMJ) model derives from a study of the cranium by 3D virtual reality and mandibular function animation. The starting point of the project is high-fidelity digital acquisition of a human dry skull. The cooperation between the maxillofacial surgeon and the cartoonist enables the reconstruction of the fibroconnective components of the TMJ that are the keystone for comprehension of the anatomic and functional features of the mandible. The skeletal model is customized with the apposition of the temporomandibular ligament, the articular disk, the retrodiskal tissue, and the medial and the lateral ligament of the disk. The simulation of TMJ movement is the result of the integration of up-to-date data on the biomechanical restrictions. The 3D TMJ model is an easy-to-use application that may be run on a personal computer for the study of the TMJ and its biomechanics.
authors.affiliation: Cattedra di Chirurgia Maxillo-Facciale, Università Degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza," Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Piero
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cascone
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rinaldi
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pagnoni
authors.forename: Tito Matteo
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Marianetti
authors.forename: Massimiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tedaldi
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D008488:Medical Illustration; D008838:Microcomputers; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D008954:Models, Biological; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D014584:User-Computer Interface