Alloplastic temporomandibular joint replacement - past, present, and future: "Learn from the past, prepare for the future, live in the present." Thomas S. Monson

Based on evidence from the orthopaedic, biomedical engineering, and oral and maxillofacial surgical literature, this paper discusses reported successes and failures of past alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) devices that have led to the development of present total temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) devices. The paper concludes with discussion of the ongoing research that will lead to future embodiment (materials, designs, and manufacture) advances in TMJR management of severe and debilitating end-stage TMJ disease, further improving patients' mandibular function, form, and overall quality of life.

Puricelli biconvex arthroplasty as an alternative for temporomandibular joint reconstruction: description of the technique and long-term case report

Background

There are several indications for partial or total replacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), including neoplasms and severe bone resorptions. In this regard, several techniques have been suggested to increase the functionality and longevity of these prosthetic devices. This case report describes the treatment of a TMJ ankylosis patient with the Puricelli biconvex arthroplasty (ABiP) technique, with a long-term follow-up.

Case presentation

In 1978, a 33-year-old male polytraumatised patient developed painful symptoms in the right preauricular region, associated with restricted movement of the ipsilateral TMJ. Due to subcondylar fracture, an elastic maxillomandibular immobilisation (EMMI) was applied. Subsequently, the patient was referred for treatment when limitations of the interincisal opening (10 mm) and the presence of spontaneous pain that increased on palpation were confirmed. Imaging exams confirmed the fracture, with anteromedial displacement and bony ankylosis of the joint. Exeresis of the compromised tissues and their replacement through ABiP was indicated. The method uses conservative access (i.e., preauricular incision), partial resection of the ankylosed mass, and tissue replacement using two poly(methyl methacrylate) components, with minimal and stable contact between the convex surfaces. At the end of the procedure, joint stability and dental occlusion were tested. The patient showed significant improvement at the postoperative 6-month follow-up, with no pain and increased mouth opening range (30 mm). At the 43-year follow-up, no joint noises, pain or movement restrictions were reported (mouth opening of 36 mm). Imaging exams did not indicate tissue degeneration and showed the integrity of prosthetic components.

Conclusions

The present case report indicates that ABiP enables joint movements of the TMJ, allowing the remission of signs and symptoms over more than 40 years of follow-up. These data suggest that this technique is a simple and effective alternative when there is an indication for TMJ reconstruction in adult patients with ankylosis.

Second metatarsal free transfer in total temporomandibular joint reconstruction for ankylosis in a child: 10-year follow-up

The management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis requires complete removal of the ankylosed block and the prevention of recurrence. For this purpose, the ramus-condyle unit can be reconstructed with a second metatarsal free flap. This article reports the use of this flap in a young patient treated for left TMJ ankylosis, post costochondral graft for the treatment of hemifacial microsomia. Data from the 10-year follow-up are reported. The glenoid fossa was reconstructed with a graft of the second metatarsal base, enabling the juxtaposition of two cartilaginous joint surfaces, with the aim of optimizing the functional result and preventing the recurrence of ankylosis. At the 10-year follow-up after this surgery, there was no recurrence of the ankylosis and no articular disorder, and the morphological result was satisfactory. Bone fixation was stable over the 10-year period and the metatarsal head was still in place. Quantitative measurements obtained by computed tomography scan did not show any growth of the second metatarsal free flap compared to the right unaffected condylar process.

Functional outcomes of temporomandibular joint reconstruction with vascularized tissue

OBJECTIVE

To determine how current temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction methods affect functional outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective review from January 2006 to July 2017 at a single tertiary care center. All patients who underwent mandibulectomy with subsequent reconstruction with vascularized free tissue were included in the study. Condylar segments were reconstructed with vascularized free tissue flap in conjunction with autologous tissue or allograft in the joint space. Preoperative, 3 month, 1 year, and 2 year postoperative records were assessed for trismus, need for tube feeds, and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS).

RESULTS

Joint space was reconstructed with autologous tissue (n = 10), allograft (n = 15) or both (n = 9). At three months, FOIS scores significantly decreased from 5.4 preoperatively to 4.8 post operatively (P = .024) and need for tube feeds significantly increased from 15.8% preoperatively to 35.1% (P ≤0.027). Trismus significantly decreased from 63.2% to 27% (P = .006). At one-year, there were no significant changes in functional status compared to pre-operative state. Patients who had previous RT had significantly worse FOIS scores preoperatively (p = .002), at three months (p < .001), one year (p < .001), and two years (p = .008). There was no significant difference in postoperative functional status of patients based on the method of TMJ reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

Reconstruction of the TMJ with vascularized free tissue is a viable option and yields acceptable long-term outcomes. While functional status may improve or worsen in the immediate postoperative period, long term results mirror preoperative function. Preoperative trismus will likely improve.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3; Retrospective Comparative Study.

Costochondral Graft as Interpositional material for TMJ Ankylosis in Children: A Clinical Study

ABSTRACT

TMJ ankylosis is one of the most disruptive anomaly that affects the masticatory system. The inability to move the mandible has significant functional ramification, such as the inability to eat a normal diet. Additionally, speech is affected, making it difficult for some individuals to communicate and express themselves to others. As there are several biologic and anatomic similarities to the mandibular condyles, autogenous costochondral grafts have been considered to be the most acceptable tissue for temporomandibular joint reconstruction. In addition donor site complications are infrequent and regeneration of the rib usually occurs within a year post operatively in children.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of costochondral grafts to replace the mandibular condyles and to assess the position, growth, overgrowth, function, success, failure and resorption of costochondral grafts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten TMJ ankylosis patients were operated in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly. Out of the 10 cases 6 were male patients and 4 female patients in age group of ≤14 years; of which 8 patients were of unilateral TMJ ankylosis and 2 were of bilateral TMJ ankylosis. All ten patients underwent interpositional gap arthroplasty with reconstruction of the condyle by costochondral graft.

RESULTS

All patients with costochondral grafts had improved mandibular symmetry and growth with adequate mouth opening.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that using costochondral grafts to reconstruct TMJ ankylosis in children provides a good result.