In-House Advanced 3D Printing Enhances TMJ Surgical Planning: The 10-Year Evolution of the Mayo Clinic Experience

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an anatomically rich area, and TMJ surgery may be considered both anatomically and technically challenging, particularly when the pathology is complex or poorly visualized on conventional imaging. This case series highlights the role of advanced in-house 3D printing in TMJ surgical planning. The authors present 7 diverse TMJ surgical cases treated over the past decade, where 3D models were instrumental in preoperative planning. Models were fabricated from CT and/or MRI data using different materials for the print and model design, and customized to highlight relevant anatomy or pathology. This case series featured patients with a range of different TMJ conditions, such as condylar resorption, benign tumors, and joint ankylosis. 3D models improved the visualization of pathologic anatomy, enabled surgical simulation, and guided prosthesis design or resection planning. Models facilitated interdisciplinary collaboration and enhanced patient safety by improving anatomic orientation near critical structures. Outcomes included restored mandibular function, successful removal of the pathology, and improved facial symmetry, with follow-up ranging from 1 to 3 years. Advancing technology and capability in 3D printing can be very helpful in identifying the extent of disease, anatomic boundaries, critical regional anatomic risk, predicted joint mechanics, and patient education. Depending on the type of disease, different types of modeling and printing techniques may be warranted to best illustrate to the surgeon and patient how to proceed with treatment.