Introduction:A retrospective analysis was done on patients who had undergone unilateral temporomandibular joint reconstruction using alloplastic temporomandibular prostheses.Aim:The study wished to highlight patient perceptions after surgery; specifically relating to pain, function, and aesthetics.Material and Method:Twenty three patients were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, ability to eat, quality of life and scar appraisal.Results:Patients Vas scores were favourable for all parameters save for scar appreciation.Conclusion:Total temporomandibular alloplastic joint replacement is a viable treatment option, with generally positive surgical outcomes for patients.
The reconstruction of a mandible after ablative surgery poses many challenges. This is particularly true if the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has been sacrificed, and the intention is to replace the mandibular defect and the joint with an alloplastic reconstruction plate and add-on condyle. A metal only condyle poses serious complication risk, and thus function against a prosthetic fossa is desirable. Currently, no stock matched prosthesis exists to fulfil this role. Aim: a series of cases are presented, whereby unmatched add-on condyles and alloplastic fossas were used safely and effectively. Materials and method: nine patients that received hemi-mandibulectomies and subsequent reconstruction with reconstruction plates, add-on condyles and alloplastic TMJ fossas, were retrospectively reviewed. The radiographs were reviewed for structural integrity of the prostheses, or the formation of heterotypic bone; and the patients were clinically evaluated for localised signs of sepsis or dehiscence. Results: all nine patients showed no sign of clinical or radiographic failure of the hybrid prostheses. Conclusion: it appears as though the use of unmatched TMJ fossas and reconstruction plates with add-on condyles, are an acceptable method of treating an ablated TMJ after hemi-mandibulectomy with disarticulation.
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