A single-stage computer-guided gap arthroplasty with simultaneous patient-specific total joint replacement with a novel flat fossa design: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The computer-guided approach for the patient-specific TMJ replacement is considered an ultimate reliable option in advanced cases. However, dislocation of the condylar head could happen with the concave fossa design. A flat design was described and used in this case. CASE PRESENTATION: A 15 years old male patient with mandibular asymmetry and class IV recurrent ankylosis of the right TMJ received a patient-specific artificial joint with computer-guided gap arthroplasty and orthognathic corrective mandibular surgery for the left side. The fossa component was made entirely flat, and the patient was followed up over the next year. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Customized TMJ prosthetic solutions are reliable in advanced cases, especially when facial corrections are indicated; however, the commonly used concave design showed reported dislocations requiring some design modifications as proposed in the presented case. CONCLUSION: The flat fossa design of the artificial TMJ secures the same results as the anatomical fossa design without the incidence of dislocation.

Computer-Guided Arthrocentesis Using Patient-Specific Guides: A Novel Protocol for Treatment of Internal Derangement of the Temporomandibular Joint.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of 3-dimensionally (3D) printed patient-specific guides (PSGs) to direct the passage of inlet and outlet needles into the superior joint spaces of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in preparation for arthrocentesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study included 10 patients with 14 TMJs with anterior disc displacement with reduction. A 3D PSG was designed for each patient to lead the inlet and outlet needles into the superior joint space of the TMJ. The PSGs were implemented, and their accuracy for guiding the needles into the superior joint space was assessed. RESULTS: Both arthroscopic verification and clinical evaluation revealed that direct access to all the predetermined anatomic locations inside the TMJs had been obtained, except for 1 case, during which the patient had failed to maintain the maximum mouth opening during computed tomography scanning. CONCLUSIONS: The virtual computer-initiated PSGs were beneficial for directing the passage of the needles into the superior joint space.

Computer-guided calvarial mono-cortical bone blocks harvest: A novel approach for three-dimensional alveolar reconstruction of atrophic maxilla.

BACKGROUND: Calvarial bone grafts have been one of the grafting options that provides predictable results for three-dimensional reconstruction of severely atrophied ridges owing to their low resorption and rapid revascularization, thus providing adequate volume for implant insertion. The aim of this study was to introduce a computer-guided technique for calvarial graft harvest to minimize the complications known with grafting from this donor site. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients, suffering from severely atrophied, completely edentulous maxillary ridges, with an age range (21-30 years) were operated on (six males and two females). A custom-made guide for each patient based on preoperative computed tomography (CT) was fabricated for harvesting the outer table cortical bone blocks from the parietal bone, then particulate bone was collected with an auto-chip maker. Bilateral sinus lifting was indicated in all cases. The bone blocks were fixed intraorally and the bone particulates filled the gaps and the volume created by sinus lifting, then the whole complex was covered with collagen membranes fixed with titanium tacks. Immediate and 6 months CT were requested for evaluation of the guide accuracy and the graft integration, respectively. RESULTS: In all cases, the guide was found to accurately fit into its preplanned position and to correctly locate the anticipated harvest site with the needed dimensions of the bone blocks. No intraoperative complications were encountered such as breakage through the inner table or cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Postoperatively, all the cases showed uneventual healing except one case that had an anterior dehiscence. CONCLUSION: The computer-guided calvarial bone blocks harvest from the parietal bone is safe and predictable technique for three-dimensional reconstruction of severely atrophic edentulous maxilla.