Groningen temporomandibular total joint prosthesis: An 8-year longitudinal follow-up on function and pain

Total temporomandibular joint replacement is a surgical procedure for patients with severe temporomandibular joint afflictions affecting quality of life, which have not responded beneficially to previous conventional surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of the Groningen temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prosthesis in patients with chronic pain and mutilated temporomandibular joints following multiple surgical procedures, with respect to prosthesis failure, the patient's postoperative level of satisfaction and longitudinal changes in maximum mouth opening, functional mandibular impairment and pain. Eight female patients were studied in whom Groningen TMJ prostheses were inserted, two unilaterally and six bilaterally.The Groningen TMJ prosthesis was mechanically successful during 8 years of follow-up in seven out of eight patients with a disc dislocation being seen in one patient (7%). Patients were satisfied, despite the limited improvement of the maximum mouth opening, and pain scores.Although the decline of MFIQ scores during 8 years of follow-up was significant compared to baseline (p = 0.027), the effects of the prosthesis on maximum mouth opening, function and pain were limited. This may be due to persistent chronic pain and the adverse effects of multiple previous surgical procedures.     

Treatment of chronic mandibular dislocations using miniplates: follow-up of 8 cases and literature review

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is an excessive forward movement of the condyle beyond the articular eminence with complete separation of the articular surfaces and fixation in that position. This study reports 8 cases using miniplates for chronic mandibular dislocations, evaluates the results and critically reviews the literature. The sample was obtained from the records of the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital and comprises patients undergoing chronic mandibular dislocation treatment using 2.0 mm titanium miniplates between August 2002 and March 2004. Pre- and postoperative assessment included a thorough history and physical examination to determine the maximal mouth opening, presence of pain and sounds, frequency of luxations, recurrence rate and presence of facial nerve paralysis. The mean maximal mouth opening preoperatively was 42.75 ± 11.53 mm and was 45.62 ± 8.52 mm postoperatively. There was no facial nerve paralysis. Miniplate fracture was observed in 2 cases and there was one recurrence. Treating chronic mandibular dislocation using miniplates was shown to be efficient in relation to postoperative maximal mouth opening, recurrence and articular function, however, the possibility of the miniplate fracturing must be considered.     

3D evaluation of postoperative swelling in treatment of bilateral mandibular fractures using 2 different cooling therapy methods: A randomized observer blind prospective study

Surgical treatment and complications in patients with mandibular fractures leads to a significant degree of tissue trauma resulting in common postoperative symptoms and signs of pain, facial swelling, mandible dysfunction and limited mouth opening (trismus). Beneficial effects of local cold treatment on postoperative swelling, oedema, pain, inflammation and haemorrhage, as well as the reduction of metabolism, bleeding and haematomas have been described. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative cooling therapy by cooling compresses with the water-circulating cooling face mask by Hilotherm^® in terms of beneficial effects on postoperative facial swelling, pain, mandible dysfunction, trismus and neurological complaints.Thirty-two patients were assigned for treatment of bilateral mandibular fractures and were divided randomly into treatment either with the Hilotherm^® cooling face mask or with conventional cooling with cooling compresses. Cooling was initiated as soon as possible after surgery until postoperative day 3 continuously for 12 h daily. Facial swelling was quantified by a 3D optical scanning technique. Pain, neurological complaints, mandibular dysfunction and the degree of mouth opening were measured for each patient. Patients receiving cooling therapy by Hilotherm^® demonstrated less facial swelling, less pain, a tendency to fewer neurological complaints and were more satisfied when compared to conventional cooling.Hilotherm^® is more superior in the management of postoperative swelling and pain after treatment of bilateral mandibular fractures when compared to conventional cooling.     

Clinical outcomes in the treatment of unilateral condylar fractures: a cross-sectional study

The treatment of mandibular condyle fractures has been the subject of considerable discussion, especially whether open or closed treatment should be used. There is a need for practical, evidence-based guidelines, and both objective and subjective parameters should be measured. To date, few studies have considered clinically relevant subjective parameters. This study was performed to evaluate the outcomes of the treatment of condylar fractures using the Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ) and the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) and to compare the outcomes of open and the closed treatment. Patients with condylar fractures and at least 1 year of follow-up were examined. These patients completed the MFIQ and other questionnaires, and were examined according to the DC/TMD. Seventy-four of 171 eligible patients participated in this study. The mean MFIQ score was 10.70 (standard error 2.9) in the open group and 4.96 (standard error 1.3) in the closed group (P = 0.023), an outcome in favour of the closed treatment group. Examination according to the DC/TMD did not reveal a significant prevalence of TMD complaints. Closed treatment appears to be a safe and appropriate modality for most unilateral condylar fractures. Although the open group in general showed similar outcomes, this treatment should be reserved for limited indications.     

A comparative clinical evaluation of the outcome of patients treated for bilateral fracture of the mandibular condyles

AimTo compare open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with closed treatment and maxillomandibular fixation (CRMMF) for management of bilateral subcondylar fractures of the mandible.Patients and methodsThis study involved a retrospective analysis of bilateral subcondylar fractures of the mandible treated at Government Dental College, Rohtak from 2007 to 2010. Data were collected by a review of pertinent inpatient and outpatient clinic records, and radiographic results. Patients were followed up weekly for 4 weeks and then at 2, 3 and 6 months after surgery. At these visits, careful attention was paid to clinical parameters included mouth opening, protrusion, laterotrusion, deviation on mouth opening and occlusion.ResultsThe patient sample ranged in age from 19 to 55 years, with an average age of 28.2 years. In total, 44 patients with 88 mandibular subcondylar fractures were included in the study. Out of these, 20 patients were managed by closed treatment and 24 by ORIF of the subcondylar fractures (19 unilateral and 5 bilateral).Regarding mouth opening/lateral excursion/protrusion, significant (p = 0.00) differences were observed between both groups (open 37.6/11.5/5.9 mm versus closed 31.5/7.8/3.1 mm). The visual analogue scoring revealed significant (p = 0.00) difference with less pain in the operative treatment group (1.3 open versus 7.2 closed). Statistically significant difference was found between two groups for occlusion (p = 0.00).ConclusionThe current retrospective study shows that operative treatment was superior in all objective and subjective functional parameters. It is concluded that if either of the condyles is displaced ORIF is the most satisfactory method of treatment.     

A new classification of mandibular fractures

There is no accepted method of reporting mandibular fracture that reflects incidence, treatment and outcome for individual cases. As most series include anatomical site only for all fractures, the aim was to establish a new method to report fractures based on a systematic review of the literature and an internal audit. The classification proposed is: Class I; condyle, II; angle, IIc; II + condyle, III; body/symphysis, IIIc; III + condyle, IV; multiple fractures not including condyle, IVc; IV + condyle, V; bilateral condyle ± other fracture(s). A total of 10,971 adult and 914 paediatric cases were analyzed through systematic review, and 833 from the regional audit. Only 32% (14/44) of reported series could be reclassified which, when added to the audit data, showed Class IV was most common (29%), with similar proportions of Class III, Class IIIc and Class II (18–23%). External validation (literature review) in terms of treatment and outcome was non-informative, but the internal validation (audit) demonstrated an increasing requirement for adding maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) as class increased. The heterogeneity of data reporting found in the systematic review confirms the need for a classification such as this, likely to enhance comparison of varying management protocols.     

Neurosensory and functional evaluation in distraction osteogenesis of the anterior mandibular alveolar process

Neurosensory status and craniomandibular function of 19 patients (mean age 35.2 years, range 17.8–58.8 years) treated by combined surgical orthodontic treatment with distraction osteogenesis of the mandibular anterior alveolar process (DO group) was compared with that in 41 orthodontically treated patients (mean age 22.9 years, range 15.1–49.0 years; control group). Clinical examination took place on average 5.9 years (DO group) and 5.4 years (control group) after treatment ended. Neurosensory status was determined by two-point discrimination (2-pd) and the pointed and blunt test. Lateral cephalograms evaluated advancement of the mandibular alveolar process and possible relapse. There was no significant difference in craniomandibular function and neurosensory status between the groups. Age was significantly correlated with 2-pd at the lips (DO: p = 0.01, R = 0.575; control group: p = 0.039, R = 0.324) and chin (DO: p = 0.029, R = 0.501; control group: p = 0.008, R = 0.410). Younger patients had smaller 2-pd values. Gender, age, the amount of advancement, and relapse at point B or incision inferior show no correlation with craniomandibular function and neurosensory impairment. DO of the mandibular anterior alveolar process is a valuable and safe method with minor side effects regarding neurosensory impairment.     

Analysis of outcomes after revision replacement of failed total temporomandibular joint prostheses

End-stage disease of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be managed successfully with alloplastic total replacements, but these can fail because of allergy, infection, wear, fracture, and heterotopic development of bone. We prospectively reviewed the outcome data of all patients who required revision of previously placed replacement joints between 2004 and 2016. Data included pain and diet scores using 100 mm visual analogue scales (VAS), and interincisal distance recorded before, and at six weeks, six months and 12 months after operation. The reasons for failure and the number of previous procedures were also noted.Twenty patients (26 joints) had revisions. The reasons included infection (n = 9), reankylosis (n = 5), wear of the existing prosthesis (n = 2), fracture of the prosthesis (n = 2), foreign body reaction (n = 1), and allergy to the prosthesis (n = 1). The mean (range) age of the patients was 53.3 (47-68) years, and 15 were female and five male. Preoperatively, the mean (SD) pain score was 73.1 (22.4), mouth opening was 20.9 (10.2) mm, and diet score 41.7 (23.6). At 12-month follow up, all the measurements had improved significantly (p ≤ 0.05), with the pain score improving to a mean (SD) of 18.4 (25.2), mouth opening to 32.2 (9.3) mm, and diet score to 89.4 (18.5). Revision replacements done by an experienced team result in considerably improved outcomes with limited complications, but the improvements in function and pain are not as marked as they are after primary replacement.     

Long-term evaluation of the stability of reconstructed condyles by transport distraction osteogenesis

This retrospective longitudinal study evaluated the long-term stability of reconstructed condyles by transport distraction osteogenesis of the mandibular ramus in patients with unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. 7 patients were followed up for 16–92 months (mean 39.4 months). The mean age of the patients at the time of distraction was 22.9 years (range 7–44 years). Maximal mouth opening and panoramic radiographs were recorded preoperatively, at the time of device removal and several years after removal of distraction device. At follow-up, cone beam CT images of the TMJ were obtained to confirm the changes of the reconstructed condyle. Absolute height (Co–Inc) and relative height (Co–Inc/Co–Go) of the reconstructed condyle and the asymmetric difference ratio (AR) were examined to assess the changes of condylar height and mandibular symmetry. The mean maximal mouth opening was stable during the period of follow-up. The mean absolute height and relative height of the reconstructed condyle decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Although no significant difference was found, the mandibular asymmetry difference ratio increased by 16.7%. These results suggested that the heights of reconstructed condyles were not stable in the long-term, and the mandible tended to be asymmetrical.     

Does closed treatment of paediatric mandibular condyle fractures result in restitutional remodelling?

The treatment of paediatric mandibular condylar fracture (PMCF) is typically non-operative. The purpose of this study was to determine if non-operative management of PMCF results in a new condylar process of normal morphology to regenerate after closed treatment (restitutional remodelling). The specific aim of the study was to observe restitutional remodelling (RM) in PMCF and review the literature. The investigators designed and implemented a retrospective study on paediatric patients (age < 12) with unilateral or bilateral condyle fractures treated with non-operative treatment between January 2005 and July 2015. Patients with complete records and at least 1-year follow-up were included in the study. Primary outcome variable was RM and secondary outcome variables were occlusion, maximal incisal opening (MIO), displacement, infection, facial asymmetry, and signs of temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA). The study evaluated 41 patients {n = 57 PMCF, (m:f-35:6)} of unilateral (n = 25) and bilateral (n = 16) PMCF. Fractured condyles remodelled to normal morphology in all the cases at follow-up. The Wilcoxon test revealed a statistically significant difference in MIO from the preoperative value to postoperative (p = 0.001). Occlusion (except 1) was satisfactory in all cases, at follow-up with no gross facial asymmetry. There was no sign of infection at the surgical site (anterior mandible). None of the patients showed signs of TMJA at follow-up. The result of the present study demonstrates that RM of condylar fracture occurs with non-operative management. Non-operative management should be the point of care in PMCF, owing to the rapid RM, bone regeneration, and satisfactory outcome. Review of the literature also supports closed treatment.     

Evaluation of the efficacy of different treatment modalities for painful temporomandibular disorders

The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate the efficacies of three treatment methods and to compare their outcomes in patients with painful disc displacement. The study group comprised 45 patients with unilateral temporomandibular disorders who fell into Axis I group II (with limited mouth opening) of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging was used for definitive diagnosis. The patients were divided randomly into three groups according to the treatment method: splint therapy, splint therapy with ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis, and splint therapy with low-level laser therapy. Patients were followed up after treatment for 6 months. The groups were compared in terms of pain and functional jaw movements (unassisted mouth opening without pain, maximum unassisted mouth opening, and contralateral movements). At the end of treatment, functional jaw movements were significantly increased while pain values were significantly decreased in all groups (P < 0.05). Group 2 had a quicker improvement in terms of mouth opening scores at the end of the first month, and unassisted mouth opening without pain was found to be more than 35 millimetres in all groups at the end of 6 months. All treatment modalities showed effective results on pain and functional jaw movements in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders.     

Paediatric mandibular fracture—a diagnostic challenge?

The purpose of this study was to clarify the frequency of missed mandibular fractures and to identify possible predictive factors for missed diagnosis. This was a retrospective study that included patients <20 years of age with a recent mandibular fracture. The outcome variable was missed mandibular fracture, which was determined when a fracture was not suspected or diagnosed during the patient’s first assessment in primary healthcare. The primary predictor variable was age group (i.e. children <13 years or teenagers/adolescents aged 13–19 years). The explanatory variables were sex, mechanism of injury, and type of facial facture. Other variables were clinical symptoms and findings. Mandibular fracture was missed at first contact in 27 of 182 patients (14.8%). Fracture was missed significantly more often in patients <13 years than in older patients (33.3% vs. 8.8%, P < 0.001). The only significant symptom or clinical finding that was associated with missed fractures was skin wound of the jaw (P = 0.009). There was no association between missed fracture and sex or mechanism of injury. Mandibular fractures in children are often missed at the first healthcare contact. Careful examination is necessary in paediatric mandibular injuries, particularly in the youngest age groups. Consultation should be smooth between paediatric trauma units and maxillofacial surgeons.     

“A comparative evaluation between single noncompression titanium miniplate and three dimensional titanium miniplate in treatment of mandibular angle fracture” – A randomized prospective study

PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare efficacy between the single non-compression titanium miniplate and single three-dimensional titanium miniplate in mandibular angle fracture treatment.Method and materialsA prospective study of 20 patients with mandibular angle fractures. Patients were randomly categorized into two groups with 10 patients in each group. Group-I patients were treated with single 2.0 mm conventional titanium miniplate, Group-II patients were treated with single 2.0 mm three-dimensional titanium miniplate according to Champy's principles. Parameters such as stability of fracture fragments, occlusion, mouth opening, additional fixation required and complications were evaluated at different time intervals.ResultsIn Group-I, about 40% (n = 4) of patients showed unstable fracture fragments on immediate postoperative day whereas in Group-II only 10% (n = 1) of patients with fracture instability. In Group-I, 30% (n = 3) had mild occlusal derangement and 20% (n = 2) had deranged occlusion on immediate postoperative day, where as in Group-II only 20% (n = 2) of patients had mild occlusal derangement. Additional fixation required in 30% (n = 3) of patients in group-I, and 10% (n = 1) in Group-II. 20% (n = 2) of patients in Group-I developed infection. All patients in both the groups had inadequate mouth opening on immediate post operative day, later resumed normal mouth opening. 10% (n = 1) in group-I and 20% (n = 2) of patients in group-II presented with postinjury/preoperative inferior alveolar nerve sensory disturbance with no incidence of postoperative sensory disturbance. None of the patients in both the groups had malunion, nonunion, plate fracture, and loosening of plates and screws.Conclusion3-D titanium miniplates showed more favorable results compared to single conventional titanium miniplate with respect to initial interfragmentary stability and complications.     

Effect of ageing on healing of bilateral mandibular condyle fractures in a rat model

To examine the hypothesis that conservative treatment is applicable to younger patients with bilateral mandibular condylar fractures, we studied the effect of ageing on the healing of bilateral mandibular condylar fractures in a rat model. Male Sprague–Dawley rats aged 3, 6, and 36 weeks (n = 25/cohort, total n = 75) were divided into a fracture group (n = 12) and a sham control group (n = 12); one rat from each cohort was used as a normal unoperated control. Cell proliferation was evaluated using the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling index (LI). Osteochondrogenesis was assessed by the expression of Indian hedgehog (Ihh), type X collagen, and osteocalcin in the condylar head. Condylar fracture healing was found to be delayed by ageing. BrdU LI values in the fracture groups were higher in younger rats than in older rats at 8 weeks after fracture. The number of Ihh-positive cells in the fracture groups increased significantly up to 2 weeks after fracture, and then gradually decreased until 8 weeks after fracture. The findings of this study support the clinical concept of conservative treatment of bilateral condylar fractures in younger patients, but functional issues regarding ramus height and its consequences on occlusion have not been tested in this study.     

Response of mandibular condyles of juvenile and adult rats to abnormal occlusion and subsequent exemption

ObjectiveThe adaptation capacities of the mandibular condyle in response to mechanical stimuli might be different between juveniles and adults, but has not been compared. This study aimed to investigate whether abnormal molar occlusion and subsequent molar extraction could lead to different remodeling responses in the mandibular condyles of juvenile and adult rats.MethodsAbnormal molar occlusion (AMO) was established in the 5- and 16-wk old rats by moving their maxillary left and mandibular right third molars distally. AMO was removed in the molar extraction group at 4 weeks but remained in the AMO group. All rats were sacrificed at 8 weeks. Micro-computed tomography, histomorphology, immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR were adopted to evaluate the remodeling of condylar subchondral bone.ResultsCondylar subchondral bone loss and increased osteoclastic activities were observed in both juvenile and adult AMO groups, while increased osteoblastic activities were only seen in the juvenile AMO group. Decreased bone mineral density, bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness, but increased trabecular separation, number and surface of osteoclasts and mRNA levels of TRAP, cathepsin-K, RANKL in the juvenile AMO group were all reversed after molar extraction (all P < 0.05). However, these parameters showed no difference between adult AMO and extraction groups (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsAbnormal molar occlusion led to degenerative remodeling in the mandibular condyles of both juvenile and adult rats, while exemption of abnormal occlusion caused significant rescue of the degenerative changes only in the juvenile rats.     

Evaluation of the efficacy of celecoxib and ibuprofen on postoperative pain,swelling, and mouth opening after surgical removal of impacted third molars: a randomized,controlled clinical trial

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of celecoxib and ibuprofen in reducing postoperative sequelae following the surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Ninety-eight subjects who needed surgical extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar were selected for the study. All subjects were randomly allocated to receive one of the following treatments twice a day for 5 days after surgery: placebo (n = 32), ibuprofen (n = 33), or celecoxib (n = 33). The primary outcome chosen was postoperative pain, which was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score recorded by each patient. The secondary outcomes chosen were changes in postoperative swelling and maximum mouth opening values compared to preoperative ones. Compared to placebo, treatment with celecoxib and ibuprofen resulted in improvements in the primary outcome. Furthermore, when compared to the other groups, patients in the celecoxib group showed a significant reduction in postoperative pain scores at 6 h (P < 0.001), 12 h (P = 0.011), and 24 h (P = 0.041) after surgery. Regarding swelling and maximum mouth opening values, there were no significant differences between the groups at each follow-up session. This study demonstrated that treatment with celecoxib decreased the incidence and severity of postoperative pain following third molar surgery compared to ibuprofen and placebo.     

Grafts of autogenous coronoid process to reconstruct the mandibular condyle in children with unilateral ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint: long-term effects on mandibular growth

Injury to the mandibular condyle in children usually leads to malocclusion and disharmony of facial growth. Our aim was to study the facial growth after reconstruction of the mandibular condyle using autogenous coronoid process grafts in children with unilateral ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We followed up 10 growing patients with unilateral bony ankylosis of the TMJ who had been admitted to the West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University (Chengdu, China) between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012. There were three boys and seven girls, age range 5–12 years at the time of operation. In each case, patients were treated by gap arthroplasty, reconstruction of the condyle with an ipsilateral coronoid process, and interposition of the pedicled temporalis fascial flap during one operation. The mean (range) postoperative follow up was 4.73 (3–6) years. Postoperative panoramic radiographs were taken, and the growth of the mandibular height and length on the affected side was measured and compared with the healthy side. All patients had an uneventful, normal recovery. The mean (range) maximal mouth opening at the end of follow up was 35.6 (32–41) mm. Both the height of the ramus and the length of the mandible continued to grow after successful treatment of the ankylosis (using autogenous coronoid process grafts for reconstruction of the condyle) but the deficit in growth was not completely made up. The final height of the ramus on the affected side (at the end of follow up) had increased by 25% (p = 0.012) and the final length of the mandible on the affected side by 26% (p = 0.010) compared with immediately after operation. For comparison of the rate of growth, the increased height of the ramus of the affected side was 47% lower (p = 0.003), while the increased length of the mandible on the affected side was 27% shorter (p = 0.008) compared with the healthy side. The mandible on the affected side continued to grow after successful treatment of the ankylosis, but the growth deficit was not made up completely. The rate of growth of the affected mandible seemed to be less than on the undisturbed side even after treatment of the ankylosis.     

Two-step transport-disk distraction osteogenesis in reconstruction of mandibular defect involving body and ramus

One-step transport-disk distraction osteogenesis (TDDO) is effective for repairing segmental mandibular defects. The authors studied whether it was effective for reconstructing angled large mandibular defects using a two-step TDDO procedure in seven patients suffering from neoplasm. In the two-step TDDO procedure, the first distraction (horizontal distraction) was initiated immediately after mandibulectomy, aimed at restoring the mandibular body. It was followed by the second distraction, which was obliquely vertical and aimed at restoring the height of the ramus. The distraction rate was set at twice 0.4 mm/day. The treatment lasted for 14–18 months. The horizontal distraction length ranged from 48 to 55 mm, and the vertical one from 33 to 43 mm, with full ossification in the distraction area. No obvious shift of mandible, malocclusion or mouth opening limitation was observed. Patients had a regular diet and spoke clearly. In conclusion, the two-step TDDO is still an option for the reconstruction of large angled mandibular defects when patients are prudently selected, despite the long treatment period required.