Identification of the Changes in Extent of Loading the TM Joint on the Other Side Owing to the Implantation of Total Joint Replacement

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint is the most used joint of human body. Any defect of it has a significant influence on quality and style of life. If the TM joint is damaged, its treatment is very difficult and, in addition, it is impossible to replace fully this specific joint with a total replacement. In our opinion, the main reason is the method of implantation of existing replacements, when the whole range of masticatory muscles must be removed, and these results in significant change of mechanical loading of the whole system. The objective of this work was to create parametric computational FEM study comparing the effect of surgical procedure while implanting the total replacement of the TM joint on loading of the joint on the other side.