Augmented reality environment for temporomandibular joint motion analysis

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biomechanical Engineering
• Augmented Reality

Background:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders require accurate motion analysis for effective treatment.
• Current methods for TMJ motion analysis often lack real-time 3D visualization or restrain patient movement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a new modality for real-time, three-dimensional (3D) temporomandibular joint (TMJ) motion analysis using interventional video tomography and augmented reality.
• To enable dynamic visualization of TMJ structures and their relationship with surrounding elements during movement.

Main Methods:

• Applied interventional video tomography principles for real-time TMJ movement visualization within an augmented reality (AR) environment.
• Extracted 3D anatomic structures from cephalometric radiographic images.
• Utilized a see-through, head-mounted display and electromagnetic tracking for live-image fusion of 3D structures with real-time mandible and articular fossa position data.

Main Results:

• Successfully created a dynamic fusion of radiographic TMJ images with moving anatomic TMJ structures.
• Demonstrated a new modality for comprehensive TMJ motion analysis in a 3D space.
• Enabled simultaneous assessment of bony TMJ relationships with occlusion and muscle function during movement.

Conclusions:

• The developed AR-based method offers accurate, non-restraining 3D analysis of TMJ motion.
• This technique provides a valuable tool for evaluating TMJ biomechanics before and after treatment.
• Facilitates a deeper understanding of TMJ dynamics and related functional structures.