Finite element analysis of a condylar support prosthesis to replace the temporomandibular joint

Eric W. Abel (Lead / Corresponding author), André Hilgers, Philip M. McLoughlin

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    30 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This paper presents a finite element study of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prosthesis in which the mandibular component sits on the condyle after removal of only the diseased articular surface and minimal amount of condylar bone. The condylar support prosthesis (CSP) is customised to fit the patient and allows a large part of the joint force to be transmitted through the condyle to the ramus, rather than relying only on transfer of the load by the screws that fix the prosthesis to the ramus. The 3-dimensional structural finite element analysis compared a design of CSP with a standard commercial prosthesis and one that was modified to fit the ramus, to relate the findings to the different designs and geometrical features. The models simulated an incisal bite under high loading. In the CSP and in its fixation screws, the stresses were much lower than those in the other 2 prostheses and the bone strains were at physiological levels. The CSP gives a more physiological form of load transfer than is possible without the condylar contact, and considerably reduces the amount of strain on the bone around the screws.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)352-357
    Number of pages6
    JournalBritish Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
    Volume53
    Issue number4
    Early online date19 Feb 2015
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Apr 2015

    Keywords

    • Condylar support
    • Finite element analysis
    • Temporomandibular joint prosthesis
    • TMJ implant design

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Oral Surgery
    • Otorhinolaryngology
    • Surgery

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