title: A novel rapid prototyping and finite element method-based development of the patient-specific temporomandibular joint implant.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to fabricate a successful implant for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder patients who could not be treated through conventional surgeries.
  
  
  METHODS
  A custom-made implant was fabricated using rapid prototyping (RP) for the TMJ surgery. The stability of the metallic implant was validated using a finite element analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of finite elements were stable and the design of the TMJ implant was suitable as per the patient's need. The customised implant was made using a fused deposition modelling method of RP and a vertical machining centre. The implant has provided normal jaw function for over 2 years since surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The approach utilised will be helpful in providing successful treatment to the deformed mandible and the mandible joints. This method allows to customise and to accurately fabricatie the implant. Advantages of this approach are that the physical model of the implant was tested for stability before the implantation, the surgeon can plan and rehearse the surgery in advance, it is a less invasive and less time-consuming surgical procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor Ram Meghe Institute of Technology and Research, Badnera-Amravati 444701, Maharashtra, India. t_r_deshmukh@rediffmail.com
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Deshmukh
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Kuthe
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Chaware
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bagaria
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Ingole
mesh_terms: D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement / Q000379:methods*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D002648:Child; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*