Comparison of silastic and proplast implants in the temporomandibular joint after condylectomy for osteoarthritis

This study was undertaken to compare the long-term stability of Silastic and Proplast when used as alloplastic implants following high condylectomy. Twelve patients with osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were treated either unilaterally or bilaterally. The follow-up period ranged from one to four years. In all ten TMJs that received Silastic implants and in ten that received Proplast implants, there were no discernible differences relative to comfort, masticatory function, or TMJ mobility. Although Silastic and Proplast had similar functional characteristics, Proplast implants had better long-term stability than the Silastic implants.