Augmented reality for temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis: a cadaver study

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Navigation
• Augmented Reality in Medicine

Background:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy relies on accurate skin puncture point identification.
• Conventional methods using surface anatomy have an 18% first-attempt failure rate.
• Improved precision in puncture site localization is needed for TMJ arthroscopic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate an augmented reality (AR) system for precise skin puncture point identification in TMJ arthroscopy.
• To assess the efficacy of AR-guided puncture in cadaver models.

Main Methods:

• A 3D virtual model of a cadaver head was created from CT scans.
• The virtual model was superimposed onto the cadaver head using an AR system.
• Skin puncture points were marked under AR guidance.
• TMJ arthroscopy was performed through the marked points, with success defined by TMJ visualization.

Main Results:

• The AR system was applied to six sides across three cadaver heads.
• All six punctures guided by the AR system were successful.
• The AR method demonstrated high precision in identifying the skin puncture site.

Conclusions:

• The developed AR system provides precise visualization for TMJ arthrocentesis skin puncture.
• The AR system shows promise for increasing procedural accuracy in TMJ arthroscopy.
• Further comparative studies are necessary to validate the advantages of the AR method over conventional techniques.