Abstract
The purpose of this study was to confirm the 5-year efficiency of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anchorage, using clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We also studied the influence of disc length and position on efficiency and postoperative condylar height. Sixty-one patients (76 joints) undergoing TMJ disc anchorage were followed up for >5 years. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score and maximum mouth-opening pre-and postsurgery were analysed and patient satisfaction recorded. Disc length, condyle height and disc position pre- and postsurgery were measured using MRI. Patients were ranked as A, B or C degree according to postoperative disc condyle position. Mean follow-up time was 71.34 months. Maximum mouth-opening improved by 14.34 ± 5.87 mm, and VAS score decreased by 33.44 ± 20.56 (P < 0.05). Clinical evaluation efficiency was 84.21%; patient satisfaction rate was 85.53%. On follow-up MRI, 68 joints were judged A or B degree (89.67%). Disc length was 7.96 ± 1.38 mm, 7.10 ± 1.41 mm and 5.75 ± 1.16 mm in A, B and C groups, respectively. In patients evaluated as C, condylar height decreased by 0.43 ± 1.36 mm, while increasing by 0.67 ± 1.88 mm and 0.51 ± 1.09 mm in A and B groups, respectively (all P < 0.05). We concluded that anchorage surgery improves mouth-opening and eliminates pain, longer disc length is related to better postoperative disc position, and significant condylar reconstruction occurs after disc repositioning. MRI confirmed that TMJ disc anchorage is reliable 5 years postsurgery.
Highlights
The purpose of this study was to confirm the 5-year efficiency of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anchorage, using clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
One study following up the jaw function and maximum incisal opening of 102 patients (188 sides) for a mean of 46.2 months using visual analogue scales (VASs) demonstrated satisfying clinical results[2]
Surgeons[3] made an evaluation of 81 joints immediately after modified TMJ disc repositioning with a Chinese-made anchor nail, using MRI, with a total of 71 joints (87.7%), which showed excellent results
Summary
The purpose of this study was to confirm the 5-year efficiency of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anchorage, using clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We studied the influence of disc length and position on efficiency and postoperative condylar height. We concluded that anchorage surgery improves mouth-opening and eliminates pain, longer disc length is related to better postoperative disc position, and significant condylar reconstruction occurs after disc repositioning. One study following up the jaw function and maximum incisal opening of 102 patients (188 sides) for a mean of 46.2 months (range 14–84 months) using visual analogue scales (VASs) demonstrated satisfying clinical results[2]. MRI has not been used in other long-term follow-up studies Our study used both clinical and MRI evaluation for cases 5 years after anchorage surgery. We compared the results of the three evaluation methods (clinical evaluation, patient satisfaction and MRI) to confirm the consistency of these methods
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
