Orthopedic Implants

Temporomandibular Joint• Joint in the jaw where the mandible (jaw

bone) meets the temporal bone at the end of the zygomatic arch

• Important for many functions, mainly eating and talking

• May have to be replaced in cases where jaw reconstruction is necessary, such as:

• Advanced cancer of the tongue, gums or palate• Severe accidents or burns

Benefits

• Help to restore quality of life especially related to activities such as talking

• Help patients regain the ability to eat a more normal diet after reconstructive jaw surgery

• Help to restore a better cosmetic appearance after reconstructive jaw surgery

Suggested Materials

• The actual moving joint assembly could be made out of Titanium or some other biocompatible, durable material.

• The material The pins where the implant is attached to the “bones” would depend on the material of those “bones”.

• For real bones the attachment material could be hydroxyapatite.

Work Cited

• WebMD.com• http://www.scielo.br/pdf/dpjo/v15n5/

en_21.pdf• http://www.awardscircuit.com/• http://abcnews.go.com/Health/doctors-

perform-extensive-face-transplant/story?id=16013394#.UAcvRmGe6So