Designing Artificial Jaw Joints (AJJs) in VR Space for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

摘要

In this present study, we will report on a case of a patient with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). She suffered a condyle fracture that led to rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, we will review how we planned her treatment and designed her artificial jaw joints (AJJs) via 3D imaging in VR space. We decided the mandibular position based on the facial aesthetic line (E-line) and the occlusion. Then we designed her AJJs to comply with the translated mandible via 3D-modeling software. The upper airway obstruction is assumed to occur in the present case due to a pharyngeal obstruction, as in other patients with micrognathia or Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Therefore we had to take the sleep disorder into consideration in addition to occlusal management, based on experience with situations similar to this present case. Furthermore, designing a custom-made AJJs via a 3D model could prove insightful when it came to arranging the treatment plan of SDB patients.