Temporomandibular Joint Concepts Research Articles

Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Heterotopic Ossification: A Novel Protocol With Multimodal Therapy Based on Literature Review and Presentation of a Unique Case Report

The purpose of this study was to create a treatment protocol for cases of heterotopic ossification (HO) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), particularly those refractory to current TMJ HO protocols. In addition, we demonstrate the success of this protocol on a unique case of recurrent HO that failed multiple TMJ HO protocols in the setting of an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in a wounded warrior. An electronic literature review was conducted via PubMed and Web of Science. Twenty-five studies were identified to provide supporting evidence for a proposed, up-to-date protocol for the treatment of refractory TMJ HO. The authors present a case report of a wounded warrior with HO ankylosis of bilateral TMJs in the setting of IED blast and demonstrate successful use of our surgical and pharmacotherapeutic protocol. Based on the literature review, our proposed protocol consists of pharmacotherapy with celecoxib and etidronate, with weekly forced dilation (brisement) and home physical therapy with the TheraBite Jaw Motion Rehab System. Surgically, the TMJ should be treated with two-stage reconstruction using initial polymethyl methacrylate spacers and subsequent total joint replacement with custom prostheses, fat grafting, and 3-dimensional-navigated total resection of HO. This protocol was successfully utilized in our patient's refractory HO ankylosed TMJ secondary to IED blast, and the patient's maximal incisal opening was regained and has remained stable2years after surgery without recurrent HO. Our method for treatment in this case deviated from the standard TMJ Concepts HO protocol in that it included multimodal pharmacotherapy with celecoxib and etidronate. Based on our literature review and experience, we advise that clinicians utilize our protocol for the management of all craniofacial HO cases, particularly in cases of recurrent HO that fail conventional therapies and/or involving high-order blast trauma.

Can Patients With Metal Hypersensitivity Requiring TMJ Total Joint Prostheses be Successfully Treated With All-Titanium Alloy Mandibular Components?

Patients with documented metal hypersensitivity to cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy with trace nickel requiring temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total joint prosthesis (TJP) may have adverse reactions to the metals in the standard TMJ Concepts TJP. This study aimed to determine if these patients can be successfully treated by eliminating CoCrMo alloy and constructing the mandibular components of all-titanium (Ti) alloy. This retrospective cohort study evaluated metal hypersensitive patients (MHG) that received the TMJ Concepts TJP modification of all-Ti alloy mandibular components with outcome results compared to a control group (CG) of non-metal-sensitive patients that received the standard TMJ Concepts prostheses. The primary predictor variables were the 2 groups, MHG and CG. Primary variables evaluated using Likert scales included TMJ pain, headache, jaw function, diet, and disability. Maximum incisal opening and quality of life were measured. Secondary variables included: age, gender, effect of the number and type of prior TMJ surgeries. Scores for pre- and postsurgery parameters (nonparametric variables) were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test (α=0.05). The MHG (n=30) received the Ti alloy TJP and CG (n=46) received the standard TJP, with statistically significant improvements in all variables in both groups and no statistically significant difference in outcome variables between the 2 groups. Patients with 0 to 1 previous TMJ surgeries had better outcomes in all parameters except maximum incisal opening compared to patients with 2 or more previous TMJ surgeries. Patients with documented hypersensitivity to CoCrMo alloy, requiring TMJ Concepts TJP may experience improvement in TMJ pain, headache, jaw function, diet, disability, jaw opening, and quality of life when the mandibular components are manufactured from all-Ti alloy, eliminating the CoCrMo alloy. The larger the number of previous TMJ surgeries and exposure to failed alloplastic implants, the less improvement in treatment outcomes.

Will they fit? Determinants of the adaptability of stock TMJ prostheses where custom TMJ prostheses were utilized

Currently only two alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total joint replacement (TJR) systems are available in the United States. The aim of this study was to define variables that determine whether a Biomet stock prosthesis could have been used to reconstruct a TMJ previously reconstructed with a TMJ Concepts patient-fitted prosthesis. All of the TMJ Concepts prostheses placed between 2010 and 2018 at the University of Texas – Health at San Antonio were analyzed retrospectively. There were 128 cases (241 joints) with intact stereolithographic models analyzed for successful adaptation of the Biomet stock TMJ prosthesis. Anatomical, demographic, etiological, and perioperative data were gathered for each joint to investigate possible causes of failure of stock adaptation. The majority of joints, 74% (178/241), could have had a stock prosthesis adapt. All joints with ≥40mm gap arthroplasty failed stock prosthesis adaptation. Only 50% (32/64) of the joints with at least one previous open TMJ surgery and 60% (58/96) of the joints with concomitant orthognathic surgery could have had a stock TMJ prosthesis. The stock prosthesis could not be adapted for any of the patients requiring TMJ replacement for congenital disorders or those requiring TMJ salvage. Overall, the majority of cases treated with a patient-specific TMJ TJR could have been treated with a stock prosthesis.

Alloplastic Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction for Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total joint replacement (TJR) in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). All patients with a formal diagnosis of JIA requiring a TMJ patient-specific TJR between 2010 and 2018 at The University of Texas-Health at San Antonio were retrospectively analyzed. To be included, patients must have had a formal diagnosis of JIA, complete records, and TMJ reconstruction with the TMJ Concepts patient-specific total joint prosthesis (TMJ Concepts, Ventura, CA). Clinical data acquisition was required at a minimum of 12months after surgery (longest follow-up [LFU]).Subjective and objective analyses were performed using a 10-point visual analog scale at the preoperative and LFU time points.Surgical data at the perioperative and LFU time points were recorded for comparison. Twenty patients with JIA met the inclusion criteria. The mean visual analog scale measurements for facial pain, TMJ pain, jaw function, diet, and disability were all significantly reduced at LFU. The maximal interincisal opening with pain was increased from 33.5mm preoperatively to 44mm at LFU, and the mean maximal interincisal opening without pain was increased from 31.1mm preoperatively to 43mm at LFU.None of the patients had complications from their TMJ TJR. Alloplastic TMJ reconstruction is a safe and efficacious treatment option for the surgical management of end-stage TMJ disease in JIA patients.

Endovascular preoperative embolization for temporomandibular joint replacement surgery.

This retrospective study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of preoperative endovascular embolization in patients who underwent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement surgery. We included all patients treated with preoperative embolization of the internal maxillary artery (IMAX) between June 2016 and January 2019. All patients were treated by the same surgeon using standard surgical approaches and procedures. Periprocedural adverse events, blood loss during surgery and clinical follow-up are reported. Fourteen patients (12 females, median age 32.5) were treated with 21 embolizations of the IMAX (bilateral embolizations in seven patients) prior to TMJ replacement surgery with prosthetic joints (TMJ Concepts prostheses). Seven patients presented with TMJ ankylosis/degenerative joint disease/post-trauma deformity, four patients with Idiopathic Condylar Resorption and resultant mandibular displacement/hypoplasia, two patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated condylar degeneration and resultant loss of mandibular position, and 1 patient being re-reconstructed following management of a prosthetic joint infection. Seven patients underwent bilateral prosthetic joint replacement. Four patients underwent additional facial skeletal surgery as part of their treatment. The mean blood volume loss during TMJ surgery was approximately 370 cc (range 100-800 cc). Joint space-specific blood loss was not recorded, but, as per the surgical team, was significantly decreased when compared to non-embolized patients. There were no intra-procedural complications. The median clinical follow-up was 3.5 months (range 1-24 months). The modified Rankin scale (mRS) was 0 before the procedure and at last clinical follow-up in all patients. After TMJ surgery, three patients reported paresthesia of the trigeminal nerve likely related to the residual condyle resection and two patients had mild facial nerve weakness (Temporal and/or Marginal Mandibular branch) related to the surgical exposures. Endovascular preoperative embolization of the IMAX is feasible, safe and likely effective in reducing blood volume loss in complex TMJ replacement surgery.

Idiopathic Condylar Resorption: A Survey and Review of the Literature

Idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) is a relatively uncommon condition. Its diagnosis, etiology, and management options are controversial. Furthermore, it is difficult for 1 provider to collect a large cohort of ICR patients to develop a statistically significant study of these concerns. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to survey experienced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgeons who have managed ICR cases relative to these concerns, as well as review the management outcome literature. SurveyMonkey (Palo Alto, CA) was used to canvas the 88 international TMJ surgeons on the TMJ Concepts (Ventura, CA) InterNetwork. This network connects a group of surgeons across the world who consistently perform TMJ surgery. The intent was to provide a global snapshot of the demographic, epidemiologic, diagnostic workup, and outcome data related to the management of ICR cases. The surveys from surgeons who did not respond to all 12 questions were not included in the results. After application of the exclusion criteria, complete data on a cohort of 100 patients were obtained and used for the study. A history of hormonal imbalance was reported in only 10% of patients; however, 42 of 94 women were reportedly taking birth control pills presumably affecting their menstrual cycles. The most common reason for consultation was Class II malocclusion (98% of patients). Treatment modalities varied and included orthodontics, orthotics, TMJ total joint replacement, orthognathic surgery, and disc repositioning. ICR management proved to be controversial among the surveyed surgeons. Multiple treatment options have been described in the literature, including medical management, orthognathic surgery only, TMJ and orthognathic surgery, and total joint prosthesis reconstruction. Long-term, controlled, multicenter clinical studies should be developed to evaluate outcomes of all nonsurgical and surgical management options for the ICR patient.

Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction in Patients With Autoimmune/Connective Tissue Disease

To evaluate clinical outcomes in patients with autoimmune or connective tissue (CT) disease undergoing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on type of TMJ reconstruction. Patients in group 1 (n=9) underwent autogenous reconstruction and had a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (5), lupus arthritis (1), and psoriatic arthritis (3). Patients in group 2 (n=2l) had alloplastic reconstruction with a patient-fitted total joint prosthesis (TMJ Concepts, Ventura, CA) and had a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (15), lupus (3), and psoriatic arthritis (3). Standardized clinical and radiographic examinations were performed before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at longest follow-up after surgery (T3). Group l showed no meaningful improvement in maximal opening without pain, a decrease in lateral excursions, minimal decrease in TMJ pain, and a 32% relapse of chin projection at point B at T3. Average postsurgery follow-up time was 58months. Postsurgical ankylosis was seen in 22% of patients. In contrast, group 2 showed a statistically meaningful decrease in subjective TMJ pain and lateral excursive movements and improvement in jaw function, diet, maximal incisal opening without pain, and only 5% showed a relapse at point B at T3. Average postsurgical follow-up in this group was 78months. Improved treatment outcomes were obtained with alloplastic TMJ total joint reconstruction compared with autogenous TMJ reconstruction in patients with autoimmune or CT disease.

Patient-centered quality of life measures after alloplastic temporomandibular joint replacement surgery

The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcome measures of quality of life (QoL) for patients with end-stage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease who have undergone TMJ prosthetic replacement. The records of 36 patients who had undergone alloplastic total joint replacement procedures were analyzed. Patients were treated using either TMJ Concepts or Biomet/Lorenz prosthetics. Patients were asked to complete a 12-item TMJ-S-QoL survey, which encompassed questions pertaining to pain, speech, chewing function, and various aspects of social life and mental health. The questions were answered on a 5-point scale. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Among the 36 patients (six male and 30 female), 18 responded to the survey. Markers of QoL after surgery were compared to the preoperative period. Significant improvements were reported for pain (94.4% of patients), chewing (83.3% of patients), speech (55.6% of patients), anxiety (72.2% of patients), activity (66.7% of patients), recreation (61.1% of patients), and mood (66.7% of patients) (all P<0.05). TMJ prosthetic replacement significantly enhanced QoL among patients suffering from chronic pain, limited range of motion, anxiety, impaired speech, and chewing due to end-stage TMJ disease in this sample of surgical patients.

Prospective outcome analysis of total replacement of the temporomandibular joint with the TMJ Concepts system in patients with inflammatory arthritic diseases

We report the outcomes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis, who had total replacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using the TMJ Concepts system between 2005 and 2014. We prospectively measured mouth opening (mm), and pain and dietary function (visual analogue scale (VAS), 1 - 100) before operation, and at 6 weeks, 6 months, one year, and beyond. Forty-six joints were replaced in 26 patients (mean age 40, range 16 - 71), 22 of whom were female. Most had rheumatoid (n=17) or psoriatic arthritis (n=7). At one year the mean (SD) pain scores had fallen from 55 (36) to 2 (7) on the left, and from 62 (31) to 2 (5) on the right (p<0.001). Mean (SD) scores for dietary function had increased from 48(25) to 95(9) (p<0.001), and mouth opening had increased from a mean (SD) of 23(10) mm to 35(5) mm (p<0.001). The joints dislocated during the operation in 5 patients, and 4 had temporary weakness of the facial nerve. Outcomes after replacement of the TMJ with the TMJ Concepts system were good in patients with inflammatory arthritis, which further validates the procedure, as damage to the joint is severe in this group.

Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Can Be Successfully Treated With TMJ Concepts Patient-Fitted Total Joint Prosthesis and Autogenous Fat Grafts

To measure and identify factors associated with treatment outcomes for patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis treated with TMJ Concepts patient-fitted total joint prostheses and autogenous fat grafts. This retrospective cohort study evaluated records of patients with TMJ ankylosis from a single private practice, treated from 1992 to 2011, who met the following inclusion criteria: 1) radiographic evidence of bony ankylosis, 2) limited incisal opening, 3) minimum of 12months' follow-up, and 4) treatment with TMJ Concepts (Ventura, CA)/Techmedica (Camarillo, CA) total joint prostheses and fat grafts. For each patient, the number of previous TMJ surgical procedures, as well as the estimated age of ankylosis onset, age at surgery, and length of postoperative follow-up, was recorded. Subjective evaluations were made with Likert-like scales (from 0 to 10) for 1) TMJ pain, 2) headache and facial pain, 3) jaw function, 4) diet, and 5) disability. Objective evaluations included maximal incisal opening and excursion movements. Nonparametric statistics were used for analysis. There were 32 patients (22 female and 10 male patients) with 48 ankylosed TMJs (16 bilateral and 16 unilateral) in this study, with a mean age of 39years (range, 11 to 68years), 2 or more previous TMJ surgical procedures in 69%, and a mean follow-up period of 68months (range, 12 to 168months). Trauma was the major etiology of TMJ ankylosis, occurring in 17 of 32 patients (53%). The following improvements occurred: The median value for TMJ pain changed from 8.0 preoperatively to 1.5 at longest follow-up; headache, from 8 to 3.5; facial pain, from 8 to 4; jaw function, from 8 to 2.5; diet, from 7 to 3; and disability, from 7 to 1.5. The median incisal opening was 14.5mm (interquartile range, 6.3 to 20mm) preoperatively and 35mm (interquartile range, 30 to 40mm) at longest follow-up. The median left lateral excursion improved from 0.5 to 2mm, and the median right lateral excursion improved from 1 to 1.3mm. All of these improvements were highly significant (P < .001, Wilcoxon tests). Equally favorable outcomes were found in patients with 12 to 48months of maximal follow-up and patients with more than 48months of maximal follow-up. The treatment of TMJ ankylosis with the TMJ Concepts patient-fitted total joint prosthesis in combination with fat grafting around the articulation area of the prosthesis is a viable and predictable method for improving pain levels, function, and quality of life, as well as prevention of reankylosis of the TMJ.

Comparison of Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction With Custom (TMJ Concepts) Vs. Stock (Biomet) Prostheses

The prostheses used today for alloplastic replacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were just recently developed over the last two decades. Currently, there is limited research on the efficacy of TMJ prosthetic systems when compared to each other. This study aims to compare the differences in maximal incisal opening (MIO) and pain levels in patients treated with custom TMJ prostheses made by TMJ Concepts and stock prostheses made by Biomet.

Clinical research for the treatment of temporomandibular joint injury based on three-dimensional digital technology

To investigate the accurate and individual treatment of temporomandibular joint(TMJ) injury based on 3D digital technology. Maxillo-mandibular model was made using rapid prototyping technology based on the pre-operation 3D CT results. According to the 3D digital measurement results, TMJ concepts were ordered and the prosthesis was used to simulate the replacement surgery on the model. Then the joint replacement surgery was performed afterward. (1)After total replacement of TMJ, no pain happened and mouth open was not limited. Three months later, the joint position was normal and stable. The month open width was 4 cm. (2)After condyle replacement, primary healing was achieved with complete survival of bone graft. No edema was seen. Symmetric facial appearance was satisfactory. Bilateral individual prosthesis for total TMJ or condyle replacement is an ideal method for TMJ injury.

Twenty-Year Follow-up Study on a Patient-Fitted Temporomandibular Joint Prosthesis: The Techmedica/TMJ Concepts Device

To evaluate subjective and objective outcomes of patients receiving Techmedica (currently TMJ Concepts) patient-fitted temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total joint replacement (TJR) devices after 19 to 24 years of service. This prospective cohort study evaluated 111 patients operated on by 2 surgeons using Techmedica (Camarillo, CA) patient-fitted TMJ TJR devices from November 1989 to July 1993. Patients were evaluated before surgery and at least 19 years after surgery. Subjective evaluations used standard forms and questions with a Likert scale for 1) TMJ pain (0, no pain; 10, worst pain imaginable), 2) jaw function (0, normal function; 10, no movement), 3) diet (0, no restriction; 10, liquid only), and 4) quality of life (QoL; improved, the same, or worse). Objective assessment measured maximum incisal opening (MIO). Comparison analysis of presurgical and longest follow-up data used nonparametric Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Spearman correlations evaluated the number of prior surgeries in relation to objective and subjective variables. Of the 111 patients, 56 (50.5%) could be contacted and had adequate records for inclusion in the study. Median follow-up was 21 years (interquartile range [IQR], 20 to 22 yr). Mean age at surgery was 38.6 years (standard deviation, 10 yr). Median number of previous TMJ surgeries was 3 (IQR, 4). Presurgical and longest follow-up data comparison showed statistically significant improvement (P < .001) for MIO, TMJ pain, jaw function, and diet. At longest follow-up, 48 patients reported improved QoL, 6 patients reported the same QoL, and 2 patients reported worse QoL. Spearman correlations showed that an increased number of previous surgeries resulted in lower levels of improvement for TMJ pain and MIO. At a median of 21 years after surgery, the Techmedica/TMJ Concepts TJR continued to function well. More previous TMJ surgeries indicated a lesser degree of improvement. No devices were removed owing to material wear.

Comparison of Costochondral Graft and Customized Total Joint Reconstruction for Treatments of Temporomandibular Joint Replacement

Purpose:We review published research on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total replacement that compares costochondral graft and customized total joint reconstruction (especially TMJ concepts), focusing on effectiveness.Methods:We searched PubMed databases, including prospective, retrospective, case-control or longitudinal studies and significant statistical analysis. In data analysis, we divided outcomes into ‘Acceptable’ or ‘Non-acceptable’.Results:There were seven articles found dealing with costochondral graft and 180 patients. The majority of patients had satisfactory treatment outcomes (n=109, 61%). There were six articles including 275 patients using the alloplastic material TMJ concepts. Almost all patients had satisfactory treatment outcomes (n=261, 95%).Conclusion:Comparing customized total joint reconstruction with costochondral graft, use of TMJ concepts resulted in increased quality of life and fewer complications. In conclusion, we judged that alloplastic material such as TMJ concepts is more effective device in total joint replacement than costochondral graft.

Improved Outcomes After Alloplastic TMJ Replacement: Analysis of a Multicenter Study From Australia and New Zealand

The aim of the present study was to assess pain, function, diet, and quality of life (QOL) in subjects undergoing alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction. A total of 72 subjects were sent a questionnaire an average of 4 years after undergoing either unilateral or bilateral total joint replacement with a custom TMJ Concepts or stock Biomet total joint replacement device. The changes in pain, function, diet, and quality of life were assessed. Of the 72 subjects, 52 returned the questionnaire. Pain, function, diet, and QOL were all significantly improved at a mean follow-up of 46.3 months. The complications reported included an altered facial sensation and facial weakness. No implant failures were reported. The placement of an alloplastic TMJ total joint replacement can provide benefits for patients in the areas of pain, function, diet, and QOL. Additional research is required in this area.

Evaluation of Temporomandibular Joint Total Replacement with Alloplastic Prosthesis: Observational Study of 27 Patients

Background Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total replacement with alloplastic prostheses has been performed since 1960s. Research in these last two decades has achieved important improvement in the development of biomaterials, design, adaptation, and fixation of the prosthesis components. Objective To evaluate total TMJ replacement with alloplastic prostheses. Methods We studied 27 patients, between 19 and 73 years old, who had total TMJ uni- or bilateral replacement surgery with custom-made alloplastic prostheses manufactured by TMJ Concepts, Inc. (Ventura, CA) between 1996 and 2011. The general data and preoperative measurements were taken from medical records. Subjective data related to pain, diet consistency, and current quality of life were collected with a questionnaire answered by the patients; measures of maximum interincisal opening and lateral mandibular movements were obtained from direct examination. Results We found significant difference (p < 0.05) comparing pre- to postoperative results about improvement in mouth opening, pain relief, and satisfaction with the surgery and diet consistency. Conclusion The results of this study show that total alloplastic TMJ prostheses are an efficient, safe, and stable long-term solution for patients who need TMJ total replacement.

Comparison of Functional Recovery Rates Following TMJ Total Joint Reconstruction in Patients With Painful Degenerative Joint Disease Versus Non-Painful Hypomobility or Trauma-Induced Malocclusion: A Multi-Center Study

The aim of this study was to determine functional recovery rates in patients who underwent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total joint reconstruction with patient-fitted TMJ alloplastic prostheses (TMJ concepts, Venture, CA) for painful degenerative joint disease versus non-painful malocclusion due to trauma or pathology at two separate institutions from 2000-2010.

One-year prospective outcome analysis and complications following total replacement of the temporomandibular joint with the TMJ Concepts system

Total replacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is increasingly accepted as the gold standard for reconstruction of irreparably damaged or ankylosed joints. The TMJ Concepts system (TMJ Concepts, Ventura, USA) has the longest follow-up of the 2 systems used in the UK. A total of 74 patients had placement of TMJ Concepts prostheses. The primary diagnoses were degenerative disease, multiple previous operations, injury, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and ankylosis. Of these, 12 were revisions of previous replacements (3 after multiple operations). Over the year there was a significant mean (SD) reduction in pain score (10cm visual analogue scale) from 72 (2.5) to 8 (1.7) (p<0.0001), and mean (SD) improvements in mouth opening from 22.4mm (9.4) to 33.7mm (6.2) (p<0.0001), and dietary consistency (10cm analogue liquid 0 to solid 100) from 38 (23) to 93 (16) (p<0.0001). No patient had worse symptoms postoperatively. Joints in 2 patients failed because of biofilm infections. Two patients required blood transfusion and one required ligation of the external carotid artery. Five had perioperative dislocation, which responded to elastic intermaxillary fixation for one week. A total of 31 patients had partial, and 2 had total weakness of the facial nerve. All resolved fully except weakness of the temporal branch in one patient, which required brow lift. Total TMJ replacement gives good early improvements in function and pain with few complications. Of the 74 patients, 71 were very pleased to have had the procedure. One was dissatisfied despite complete pain relief and improvement in mouth opening from 3 to 30mm, and 2 were ambivalent (one had infection, revision, and permanent weakness of the temporal branch of the facial nerve).

Successful Reconstruction of Nongrowing Hemifacial Microsomia Patients With Unilateral Temporomandibular Joint Total Joint Prosthesis and Orthognathic Surgery

Traditionally, patients with hemifacial microsomia (HFM) and significant ipsilateral hypoplasia or absence of the condyle and ramus undergo reconstruction on the ipsilateral side with autogenous tissues such as rib grafts, often with compromised results. This study analyzed the surgical treatment outcomes of nongrowing patients with HFM and reconstruction of the ipsilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and advancement of the mandible with a patient-fitted TMJ total joint prosthesis (TMJ Concepts, Inc, Ventura, CA), a contralateral mandibular ramus sagittal split osteotomy, and maxillary osteotomies performed in 1 operation. All nongrowing patients with HFM treated with this surgical protocol from 1997 to 2010 in a single private practice were included in this study and subjectively evaluated before surgery and at the longest postsurgical follow-up for pain, diet, jaw function, and disability using a visual numerical scale (0 to 10). Surgical changes and postsurgical stability were analyzed using lateral cephalograms before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at the longest follow-up. Six patients (4 female and 2 male) were included in this study, with an average age at surgery of 23.5 years (range, 14 to 39 yrs) and an average follow-up of 6 years 3 months (range, 1 yr to 11 yrs 4 mo). For all subjective parameters, all patients improved or remained the same. Incisal opening improved or remained the same in 4 of the 6 patients, with 2 patients having decreased opening. Excursive movements decreased. The maxillomandibular complex was surgically rotated counterclockwise, advanced, and transversely leveled, with the anterior maxillary reference points (anterior nasal spine, point A) undergoing relative small movements. The mandibular incisor tips (lower incisor tips) advanced a mean of 8.9 mm, point B 14.8 mm, pogonion 18.6 mm, menton 17.5 mm and the occlusal plane angle decreased -12.3°. Postsurgical long-term stability indicated that the anterior maxillary references changed a significant amount, whereas all horizontal and vertical anterior mandibular measurements (lower incisor tip, point B, pogonion, menton) and the occlusal plane showed no significant changes. The TMJ Concepts total joint prosthesis in conjunction with orthognathic surgery for TMJ and jaw reconstruction in nongrowing patients with HFM is highly predictable for skeletal and occlusal stability, comfort, TMJ function, and improved facial balance.

Adaptability of stock TMJ prosthesis to joints that were previously treated with custom joint prosthesis

The purpose of this study was to determine if a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replaced by a custom joint prosthesis could have been replaced by a stock joint prosthesis. Stereolithic models of patients treated with TMJ Concepts® patient fitted joint prosthesis (e.g. custom) were obtained. Biomet Microfixation® TMJ prostheses (e.g. stock) were adapted to these models. Intra-operative insertion of prosthesis, fit and size of stock joints were simulated and evaluated. Adaptability and stability of condyle and fossa as well as their articulation were recorded. 20 models consisting of 34 joints were examined by two oral and maxillofacial surgeons who were blinded to the patient's diagnosis. Overall, 77% of the stock TMJ system fit the stereolithic models. 3mm or less of bone modification was necessary to achieve an acceptable fit. In the majority of the cases examined, a stock TMJ prosthesis had good anatomical adaptation to stereolithic models of patients previously treated with custom TMJ prosthesis, so a stock TMJ prosthesis could have been an acceptable option for these patients. Further prospective clinical studies to compare both systems are necessary.