Total temporomandibular joint prosthesis as a surgical option for severe mouth opening restriction. A case report of a bilateral intervention

Reumatismo. 2007 Oct-Dec;59(4):322-7. doi: 10.4081/reumatismo.2007.322.

Abstract

Several conservative treatment approaches to the disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) have been described in the literature. Nonetheless, in a minority of cases not respondent to reversible conservative therapies a surgical approach to the TMJ is needed. In recent years, a total temporomandibular joint replacement with alloplastic prosthesis have been introduced as a treatment option in the presence of a severely damaged or mutilated joint, mainly resulting from severe joint diseases, as in the case of complex inflammatory-degenerative diseases, or failure of previous surgeries. The present paper described a case report of a bilateral temporomandibular joint replacement intervention in a female patient with severe mouth opening restriction and pain in the TMJ area. Also, a discussion of the potential indications for TMJ replacement has been provided, along with the description of the surgical procedure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ankylosis / etiology
  • Ankylosis / surgery
  • Arthroplasty / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Prosthesis*
  • Oral Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Osteoarthritis / complications
  • Osteoarthritis / surgery*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Temporomandibular Joint / surgery*
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome