Dynamic 3D images fusion of the temporomandibular joints: A novel technique

Lu Zhang; Lin Shen; Linkun Zhang; Chunxiang Zhang; Hongpeng Wang

doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2022.104286

Dynamic 3D images fusion of the temporomandibular joints: A novel technique

J Dent. 2022 Nov:126:104286. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2022.104286. Epub 2022 Sep 10.

Authors

Lu Zhang¹, Lin Shen², Linkun Zhang¹, Chunxiang Zhang¹, Hongpeng Wang³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthodontics, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300041, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, Tianjin 300041, China.
² College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen 518081, China.
³ College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Central Laboratory, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300041, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, Tianjin 300041, China; Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen 518081, China. Electronic address: hpwang@nankai.edu.cn.

PMID: 36096297
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2022.104286

Abstract

Objectives: To demonstrate a procedure for fusing images from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical positioning tracking system to dynamically evaluate the relative motion of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Methods: CBCT data was collected from a patient wearing a fixation device with markers in the intercuspal position. The patient's mandibular movements were recorded using an optical positioning tracking system. The CBCT data were imported into a virtual simulation system to reproduce the mandibular movement. Five jaw positions were selected for 3D printing of the occlusal plate that the patient wore to undergo MRI. MRI scans were registered with the CBCT image for fusion and reconstruction.

Results: The anatomical structures of the articular fossa, articular disc, and condyle were clearly displayed in the CBCT-MRI fused images. The spatial posture and relative position of the fossa-disc-condyle during mandibular movement could be reproduced dynamically using the 3D reconstruction model.

Conclusions: This method can visually display mandibular motion trajectories and the relative TMJ positions. Virtual reproduction provides a comprehensive understanding of the articular disc's morphology and position in different states from a 3D perspective.

Clinical significance: This method can be used in clinical studies of TMJ as an adjunct to the 3D dynamic diagnosis and assessment for complex patients with TMD and provide relevant data for doctors.

Keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography; Image fusion; Magnetic resonance imaging; Stomatognathic system abnormalities; Temporomandibular joint disorders; Trajectory measurement.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / methods
Humans
Imaging, Three-Dimensional* / methods
Mandibular Condyle / diagnostic imaging
Mandibular Condyle / pathology
Temporomandibular Joint / diagnostic imaging
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders* / diagnostic imaging