Total TMJ replacement with zirconium oxide ceramic prosthesis

Abstract

Objectives: At the first time in the world, surgical application of zirconium oxide ceramic TMJ prosthesis is encouraging and studies outcomes showed acceptable improvements in terms of both pain levels, jaw function and morphology. Materials and methods: Two cases of total unilateral joint replacement for TMJ ankylosis and congenital dysmorphisim were reported and described the surgical and post-surgical phases of treatment in patients that treated at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Ramadi Teaching Hospital, Anbar Province, Iraq. Results: The postoperative (PO) course was uneventful. The patient with TMJ ankylosis showed a marked improvement up to about 60% in mouth opening and had no pain on either side at the 1-year follow-up; while the second patient who was with congenital dysmorphisim showed a well demarcated improvement morphologically and functionally at 1.5-year follow-up. Conclusion: In both patients, the total TMJ replacement was successful. A carefully tailored post-surgical rehabilitation protocol applied on both patients helped the patient to gain a clinically significant improvement in jaw function. Longer follow-up periods are needed to assess the long-term maintenance of results.