Dynamic simulation of the jaw and chewing muscles for maxillofacial surgery

The need for simulation in medical environments increases with the complexity and risks of operations. Especially exact geometric planning is one of the main problems a surgeon has to deal with. The goal of our research is the development of a graphical simulation of the human mastication system. Therefore, we are developing an integrated model of the jaw by parameterizing the bones (maxilla and mandible) and modeling the motion capabilities as well as the mastication muscles. The main focus of this paper is the introduction of a kinematic model of the temporomandibular joint and the modeling of the mastication muscles. The kinematic model describes the geometrical and analytical movement of the jaw by specially defined axes. By modifying the axes or the geometrical model of the mandible, a surgeon can get a first impression of the post-operative result of e.g. a repositioning. Through integration of the muscles and muscle forces, we can even come to a dynamic simulation of the whole mastication system.