[Influence of bilateral coronoidectomy on temporomandibular joint stress distribution after costochondral graft reconstruction: a finite element analysis].

Purpose: To explore the effect of bilateral coronoidectomy on stress distribution after reconstruction of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by costochondral graft.

Methods: Ten groups of models were established to simulate costochondral graft reconstruction with simultaneously different distances (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 mm) of mandibular advancement, with or without coronoidectomy. Force and stress distribution in the rib-cartilage area were analyzed by finite element analysis.

Results: In the process of bilateral joint reconstruction with simultaneously mandible advancement ranging from 0 mm to 8 mm, when the coronoid processes were retained, the forward deformation of the cartilage occurred and the shear force decreased in turn, from 113.2 N to 26.7 N on the left side and from 133.7 N to 1.9 N on the right side. When the coronoid processes were removed, the cartilage deformed backward and the shear force increased successively, from 94.6 N to 188.5 N on the left and 70.1 N to 157.7 N on the right. The stress in the neck was obviously concentrated when mandible advanced 8 mm.

Conclusions: Coronoidectomy has an important impact on stress distribution in the TMJ area, and keeping the coronoid process is beneficial to maintain the mechanical balance. Bilateral CCG reconstruction with coronoidectomy for lengthy mandible advancement (≥ 8 mm) may lead to prominent increase in shear force beyond CCG resistance, resulting in a costal-cartilage junction fracture.