Temporomandibular joint reconstruction with stock and custom-made devices: Indications and results of a 14-year experience.

PURPOSE

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction with alloplastic implants is a reliable, safe and effective treatment option for selected debilitating pathologies of the TMJ. This study retrospectively analyzes our 14-year experience in total alloplastic reconstruction of the TMJ using stock and custom Biomet prostheses. Indications, results and rationale for the choice of stock and custom-made devices are discussed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients were enrolled in the study who underwent single-stage alloplastic total joint replacement from January 2000 to October 2014. The subjective and objective variables were as follows: TMJ pain, diet, jaw function, maximum interincisal opening (MIO), quality of life and occlusion. The minimum follow-up was 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients (55 joints) met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. Of the patients, 25 underwent Biomet total joint reconstruction system with stock prosthesis, 12 patients underwent total joint reconstruction system with custom made (patient matched) prosthesis, and 1 patient underwent bilateral total joint reconstruction using stock system on one side and custom system on the other side. The following adverse events and complications were recorded: bleeding, 2 cases; malocclusion, 1 case; postoperative infection with prosthesis removal, 1 case; heterotopic bone formation, 1 case; and contralateral TMJ overload in unilateral cases, 1 case. The occlusion was habitual unchanged in 29 of 38 cases. In 1 patient occlusion worsened with less stable functional contact. The patient refused postoperative orthodontic treatment. In 8 patients, a concomitant orthognatic procedure was planned in order to improve the occlusion. In all these patients, the occlusion improved. Quality of life and MIO relevantly improved in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the use of total joint reconstruction for end-stage TMJ disease. Both stock and custom implants allow consistent results, but there are precise indications for the use of custom implants.