Osteophytic reaction to a polytetrafluoroethylene temporomandibular joint implant. Report of a case.

Alloplastic disk substitutes of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) used in the management of late stage temporomandibular joint disease have often been accompanied by morbid tissue reactions and resultant destructive changes. Numerous clinicians have reported cases of severe radiographic and clinical bony destruction and degeneration accompanied by marked foreign body giant cell reactions in the adjacent soft tissues. The case reported here demonstrates just the opposite event. Osteophytic enlargement of the lateral portion of the zygomatic arch and glenoid fossa, with adaptation to the contours of the implant, along with severe condylar osteophytosis, was diagnosed through tomographic and CT imaging and was confirmed at surgery.