The theoretical optimal center of rotation for a temporomandibular joint prosthesis:: A three-dimensional kinematic study

A unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prosthesis may cause dysfunction of the contralateral, natural TMJ because of lack of translatorial movements of the prosthetic side. The natural translatorial capacity of the mandible can be restored in part by a TMJ prosthesis with a fixed center of rotation (CR), positioned inferiorly to the center of the natural mandibular condyle. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal position for the fixed CR of a unilateral TMJ prosthesis. A mathematical model was used to analyze different positions of the CR. These positions were evaluated based on the calculated rotation of the mandible in the frontal (theta f) and horizontal (theta h) plane, and the mediolateral movement (MLM) of the contralateral natural condyle. For current TMJ prostheses, with the CR positioned in the center of the natural condyle, theta h exceeded the natural limits. When the CR was shifted inferiorly, all parameters improved, particularly theta h. The addition of an anterior shift to an inferior shift slightly worsened theta f, while the addition of a posterior shift to an inferior shift slightly improved theta f and worsened MLM. We concluded that the functioning of the contralateral TMJ improves by shifting the CR inferiorly. An anterior shift may be added to remain within the contour of the mandibular ramus. The proposed position of the CR is 15 mm inferior to the center of the natural condyle, combined, if necessary, with an additional anterior shift of 5 mm.