Minimizing fiducial localization error using sphere-based registration in jaw tracking.

Some of the jaw tracking methods may be limited in terms of their accuracy or clinical applicability. This article introduces the sphere-based registration method to minimize the fiducial (reference landmark) localization error (FLE) in tracking and coregistration of physical and virtual dental models, to enable an effective clinical analysis of the patient's masticatory functions. In this method, spheres (registration fiducials) are placed on the corresponding polygonal concavities of the physical and virtual dental models based on the geometrical principle that establishes a unique spatial position for a sphere inside an infinite trihedron.

A comparison of simulated jaw dynamics in models of segmental mandibular resection versus resection with alloplastic reconstruction.

Statement Of Problem: Composite mandibular resection resulting in mandibular discontinuity can alter jaw motion, occlusal forces, and mastication, whether or not the jaw is reconstructed. The biomechanical events associated with these changes are difficult to assess clinically and, therefore, are not well documented or researched.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to model movements of a mandible with a discontinuity defect, and to compare them to movements of a mandible with its continuity restored by alloplastic reconstruction.