SICAT Function: Anatomical Real-Dynamic Articulation by Merging Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Jaw Motion Tracking Data

Diagnostic imaging and jaw motion tracking are among the most important technologies used to document and assess the functional status of the stomatognathic system and to plan complex prosthetic restorations. However, the two technologies have not been used together until now. This article introduces SICAT Function (SICAT, Bonn, Germany), a new software application that directly combines and merges three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and electronic jaw motion tracking (JMT) data. The software can also import digital impressions acquired with intraoral scanners and integrate them in functional movement displays. The result is an anatomically precise yet real-dynamic rendering of jaw movement, ready for comprehensive evaluation and analysis. Moreover, changes in the joint space (gap between the condyle and mandibular fossa) at defined mandibular resting positions or during mandibular movements can be directly measured and displayed. Only one CBCT scan is needed for patient-specific assessment of condylar positions (centric and therapeutic), which are displayed together with the joint space. All other positions are derived via correlation with electronic measurements. Keywords: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), jaw motion tracking, CAD/CAM, real-dynamic mandibular movement