Is virtual planning using standardized temporomandibular joint prostheses appropriate? Case series

The evolution of virtual surgical planning of advanced corrections of the temporomandibular joint with a total joint replacement (TJR), and with simultaneous corrections of dentofacial deformities, has contributed to a profound improvement of treatment possibilities. However, in cases where virtual surgical planning has been desirable, a customized TJR has up to now been preferred. As such, a customized patient-specific implant always comes with a higher cost compared to a standardized total joint replacement design. The present technical note illustrates how virtual surgical planning is possible to perform using available standardized total temporomandibular joint replacement. In detail, workflow, and all features of valuable image information, such as resection models, drilling depths, and occlusal, splints are presented. The largest distances of movements in this sample were 37 mm anterior reposition of the chin together with 22 mm vertical reposition of the mandibular angle. The suggested method combines the advantages of virtual surgical planning with the economic advantages of standardized design of TJR. However, a future comparison of the outcome with the patient-specific TJR is warranted.