Total Alloplastic Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction for Management of TMJ Ankylosis

Introduction

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis involves the fusion of the mandibular condyle to the glenoid fossa, the skull base. The dilemma with regards to treatment planning whether distraction is done before gap arthroplasty or as a simultaneous procedure or after gap arthroplasty is still a controversy. In an attempt to carry out both the procedures simultaneously there is loss of vector control of the distal segment and the risk of pseudoarthrosis at the osteotomy site. This combined problem could be overcome by the use of total alloplastic joint prosthesis which offers a firm posterior stop for the proximal segment and negates aggressive physiotherapy.

Material and methods

The reference literatures were retrieved from Pub Med and Science Direct database. Three case reports of bilateral recurrent TMJ ankylosis successfully treated with custom made total TMJ by the authors are illustrated.

Conclusion

The purpose of this article is to review the world literature on various alloplastic joints available for TMJ reconstruction and to introduce our indigenous total joint prosthesis in the management of recurrent ankylosis.