Does Combined Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction With Patient-Fitted Total Joint Prosthesis and Orthognathic Surgery Provide Stable Skeletal and Occlusal Outcomes in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients?

PURPOSE: To determine skeletal and occlusal surgical changes and long-term stability outcomes for patients diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) after TMJ reconstruction with TMJ Concepts patient-fitted total joint prostheses (TJP) and concomitant maxillary orthognathic surgery. MATERIAL/METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all patients diagnosed with JIA, receiving TJP, and concomitant maxillary orthognathic surgery between 1991 and 2019, at Baylor University Medical Center treated by 1 surgeon. Patient evaluations presurgery (T1), immediate postsurgery (T2), and at longest follow-up (LFU) (T3) were analyzed using 20 cephalometric landmarks to compute 29 linear and angular measurements to determine surgical changes, long-term skeletal and occlusal stability, as well as oropharyngeal airway changes. Comparative data were tested for significance (α = 0.05) using paired and unpaired t tests. RESULTS: Forty-two patients met the JIA inclusion criteria, with a median age of 17.5 years and median postsurgical follow-up of 26 months. There were significant surgical changes (T1-T2) (P ≤ .05) for all parameters associated with mandibular linear and angular surgical changes, except for the horizontal position of posterior nasal spine and the vertical/horizontal position of gonion, indicating highly stable surgical outcomes. There were significant improvements in the oropharyngeal airway dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that TMJ Concepts patient-fitted TJP for TMJ reconstruction in conjunction with maxillary orthognathic surgery for counterclockwise rotation of the maxillo-mandibular complex for the JIA patients provides long-term skeletal and occlusal stability as well as dimensional improvement in the oropharyngeal airway.

Does Combined Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction With Patient Fitted Total Joint Prosthesis and Orthognathic Surgery Reduce Symptoms in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients?

PURPOSE: Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and TMJ involvement may have major dentofacial deformities, pain, and jaw dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes for JIA patients relative to TMJ pain, headache, jaw function, diet, disability, and quality-of-life (QOL) after TMJ reconstruction with patient-fitted total joint prostheses (TJP) and concomitant orthognathic surgery. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on a JIA patient group (JIAG) with significant dentofacial deformity, reconstructed with TJP and concomitant orthognathic surgery, and was compared to a control group (CG) of non-JIA patients that received the same surgical protocol with similar surgical movements. Primary predictors were the 2 groups: JIAG and CG. Data were evaluated and compared presurgery and at longest follow-up using Likert analog scales for the primary variables: TMJ pain, headache, jaw function, diet, and disability. Maximum interincisal opening (MIO) was measured in mm. QOL was rated in JIAG as improved, same, or worse. Comparative data were tested for significance (α = 0.05) using Wilcoxon signed rank and paired T-tests. RESULTS: Forty JIAG patients (8 males, 32 females) met the inclusion criteria, median age 17.5 years, median follow-up 26.5 months, and 26 CG patients (1 male, 25 females), median age 35.5 years, follow-up 24 months. Significant improvements (P ≤ .05) occurred postsurgery for TMJ pain, headache, jaw function, diet, and disability for both groups. Mean increase MIO for JIAG was 36.4 to 43.3 mm, for CG was 35.2 to 37.8 mm. Thirty-eight JIA patients (95%) improved in QOL, 2 had no change, and none were worse. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that patient-fitted TJP for TMJ reconstruction in conjunction with orthognathic surgery for the JIA patient provides long-term improvement relative to TMJ pain, headache, jaw function, diet, disability, MIO, and QOL.

Can Patients With Metal Hypersensitivity Requiring TMJ Total Joint Prostheses be Successfully Treated With All-Titanium Alloy Mandibular Components?

PURPOSE: Patients with documented metal hypersensitivity to cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy with trace nickel requiring temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total joint prosthesis (TJP) may have adverse reactions to the metals in the standard TMJ Concepts TJP. This study aimed to determine if these patients can be successfully treated by eliminating CoCrMo alloy and constructing the mandibular components of all-titanium (Ti) alloy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study evaluated metal hypersensitive patients (MHG) that received the TMJ Concepts TJP modification of all-Ti alloy mandibular components with outcome results compared to a control group (CG) of non-metal-sensitive patients that received the standard TMJ Concepts prostheses. The primary predictor variables were the 2 groups, MHG and CG. Primary variables evaluated using Likert scales included TMJ pain, headache, jaw function, diet, and disability. Maximum incisal opening and quality of life were measured. Secondary variables included: age, gender, effect of the number and type of prior TMJ surgeries. Scores for pre- and postsurgery parameters (nonparametric variables) were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The MHG (n = 30) received the Ti alloy TJP and CG (n = 46) received the standard TJP, with statistically significant improvements in all variables in both groups and no statistically significant difference in outcome variables between the 2 groups. Patients with 0 to 1 previous TMJ surgeries had better outcomes in all parameters except maximum incisal opening compared to patients with 2 or more previous TMJ surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with documented hypersensitivity to CoCrMo alloy, requiring TMJ Concepts TJP may experience improvement in TMJ pain, headache, jaw function, diet, disability, jaw opening, and quality of life when the mandibular components are manufactured from all-Ti alloy, eliminating the CoCrMo alloy. The larger the number of previous TMJ surgeries and exposure to failed alloplastic implants, the less improvement in treatment outcomes.

Mini-Anchors to Surgically Treat the Chronic Mandibular Dislocation.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the feasibility of using mini-anchors for the treatment of chronic mandibular dislocation and to identify the variables that affect the success of this approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study evaluated 9 patients with bilateral recurrent dislocation of the mandible (18 operated joints), treated by a mandibular translation control system using the mini-anchor technique. Data was collected using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for subjective parameters and measurements for objective parameters prior to surgery (T1) and at the longest available follow-up (T2) with a minimum of a 12 months interval. Patients subjectively rated their facial pain/headache, jaw function, disability, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and diet. Objective functional changes were determined by measuring the interincisal opening and lateral excursions at T1 and T2. RESULTS: Significant subjective improvements in pain and dysfunction (89 to 94%) were observed (P < .01) from T1 to T2 in all parameters. The comfortable and guarded interincisal opening without mandibular dislocation increased by 41%, the maximum interincisal opening reduced 12 mm, and lateral excursions improved by 43%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with recurrent mandibular dislocations with or without disc dislocation can be treated effectively by the mini-anchor translation control system.

The Role of Dental Occlusion Ties to Achieve Stable Maxillomandibular Fixation During Temporomandibular Joint Replacement.

Dental occlusion ties (Minne Ties®) are a new example of the concept of an oral zip tie used to establish maxillomandibular fixation (MMF). Each tie uses a blunt introducer that is easily passed between embrasures and fed through a self-locking, unidirectional clasp. Five to six ties are used to establish MMF. They are fast, easy to use, and relatively safe because there are no sharps or wires associated with their use. The authors report their experience using this MMF method for temporomandibular joint replacement surgery, where over the last 2 years, over 65 collective cases have been completed using this method.

Nasolabial Changes Following Double Jaw Surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze 3-dimensional nasolabial soft tissue changes following double jaw surgery with Le Fort I maxillary advancement and relate them to underlying surgical movements. METHODS: Pre- and post-surgical cone-beam computed tomography images of 37 maxillomandibular surgery patients with ≥2 mm of advancement at A-point were analyzed. Lateral cephalograms were constructed to determine horizontal and vertical surgical movements and 3-dimensional facial images were created from the CBCTs to calculate linear and angular changes. RESULTS: Alar base width increased 1.9 mm, nasal tip protrusion decreased 0.74 mm, the upper lip flattened 7.71 degree and increased 0.9 mm in length, nasal tip was displaced 2.47 mm superiorly causing an increased concavity of 5.52 degree for the overall dorsal surface and 3.99 degree at the supratip break angle (SBA), nasal tip angle decreased 2.16 degree and nasolabial angle decreased 7.37 degree. Correlations were found between underlying surgical movements and nasal tip protrusion, SBA, nasolabial angle (NLA), and nasal tip elevation (NTE). Multiple linear regression equations were calculated to predict changes in SBA from horizontal change at A-point, NLA from horizontal change at B-point, and NTE from the change at A-point horizontally and U1-tip vertically. CONCLUSION: Double jaw surgery with maxillary advancement has significant effects on nasolabial anatomy.

Cone-beam computed tomography airway measurements: Can we trust them?

INTRODUCTION: Pharyngeal airway space (PAS) assessment has been used in the past for a better understanding of orthodontic and surgical outcomes; however, this analysis could be unreliable. Our objective was to evaluate possible changes in the PAS reading in the same patient from their consecutive cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. METHODS: We evaluated a total of 27 patients' CBCT scans obtained at 2 time points with the use of a standardized acquisition protocol. The mean age at T0 was 31 years (range 17-62 years) and the follow-up records (T1) were taken after 4-6 months. Dolphin Imaging software was used to measure the volumes of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx. We also evaluated the craniocervical position with the use of a lateral cephalogram. RESULTS: The variables exhibited high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) when measuring the same CBCT scan twice (T0 and T0). However, The ICC between the measurements performed on the first and second CBCT scans (T0 and T1) showed that the only variable with high reproducibility between the 2 scans was cranial base, with an ICC >0.97. Average differences of 682.1 mm3, 2255.3 mm3, and 517.4 mm3 were found for the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, respectively. Regarding the cephalometric angles, average differences between T0 and T1 scans were 0.6°, 2.7°, and 0.4° for OPT.CVT, OPT.SN, and cranial base, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Different CBCT exams with equal scanning and patient positioning protocols can result in different 3D PAS readings. A more careful interpretation of CBCT volumetric data to achieve adequate conclusions of the clinical outcomes is necessary.

Treatment of Posterior Dislocation of the Mandibular Condyle With the Double Mitek Mini Anchor Technique: A Case Report.

Posterior dislocation of the mandibular condyle is a rare disorder caused by trauma to the chin accompanied by damage to the external auditory canal. Treatment of posterior condylar dislocation (PCD) is directed at repositioning the condyle into the glenoid fossa, preventing recurrent dislocations, and maintaining patency of the ear canal. With early intervention, closed reduction with manual manipulation is successful but could be ineffective for chronic protracted PCD. This case report describes an elderly patient with a chronic protracted PCD resulting from a blow to the chin and in which manual reduction was unsuccessful. An open arthroplasty for condylar reduction and application of a "reverse" double Mitek mini anchor technique was required to prevent recurrence of PCD, with a successful outcome.

Pharyngeal Airway Space Changes After Condylar Replacement and Mandibular Advancement Surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the total volume and cross-sectional areas of the pharyngeal airway after bilateral condylar replacement and mandibular advancement surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 137 patients (126 women and 11 men) underwent bilateral temporomandibular joint total joint replacement performed by 1 surgeon. A subsample of 30 patients who underwent condylar replacement and only mandibular advancement were evaluated for impact on the airway. Measurements were taken preoperatively, postoperatively, and at a follow-up 1 year after surgery on cone beam computed tomography scans. InVivoDental 3-dimensional imaging (Anatomage, San Jose, CA) was used to measure airway space regarding total volume (in cubic centimeters); minimum cross-sectional area (in square millimeters); minimum cross sections of the first, second, and third cervical vertebrae; and whether the patient had mandibular retrognathia before surgery. A second operator was used to test for interoperator error. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed, and the P value was set at .05. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in all measurements at the follow-up visit compared with the preoperative visit. There were no significant differences between groups based on simultaneous Le Fort I surgery, mandibular retrognathia, and gender. However, there were statistically significant differences in cross sections 1 and 2, as well as minimum cross-sectional area, regarding age. Condylar replacement and mandibular advancement have a significant association with an increase in airway space. The intraclass correlation coefficient showed excellent agreement between interoperator measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing bilateral temporomandibular joint replacement and mandibular advancement surgery showed an increase in pharyngeal airway space at a 1-year follow-up. In this study, age was significantly associated with the cross-sectional areas of the airway, with older patients having smaller values.

Maxillary Interdental Osteotomies Have Low Morbidity for Alveolar Crestal Bone and Adjacent Teeth: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Based Study.

PURPOSE: Maxillary segmentation involving interdental osteotomies can have an adverse effect on the interdental crestal bone and adjacent teeth. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of interdental osteotomies on surrounding osseous and dental structures, including adjacent teeth, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), in patients who underwent segmental maxillary osteotomies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present retrospective cohort study evaluated interdental osteotomy (IDO) sites between the lateral incisors and canines in patients treated with 3-piece Le Fort I osteotomies. CBCT scans were assessed using Kodac Dental Imaging software at specific intervals: T0 (before surgery), T1 (immediately after surgery), and T2 (a minimum of 11 months after surgery). The statistical analysis using a linear regression model was adjusted to compare the variables at the different intervals. Injury to the dental structures was assessed by radiological evidence of dental damage, the requirement for endodontic treatment, or tooth loss. RESULTS: We evaluated 94 IDO sites in 47 patients in the present study. The mean inter-radicular distance at T0 was 2.5 mm. A statistically significant increase was seen in the inter-radicular distance (between T1 and T0) of 0.72 mm, with a reduction of the alveolar bone crest height (between T2 and T0) of 0.19 mm (P < .001) for the group that underwent IDO. A weak correlation was found for this increase in the inter-radicular distance, with changes in the alveolar crest bone height. The potential complications associated with interdental osteotomies such as iatrogenic damage to the tooth structure, the need for endodontic treatment, and tooth loss were not encountered in any patients. CONCLUSIONS: We found very low morbidity for the interdental alveolar crest and the integrity of teeth adjacent to interdental osteotomies for patients who underwent maxillary segmentation between the lateral incisors and canines.

Three-dimensional quantitative assessment of surgical stability and condylar displacement changes after counterclockwise maxillomandibular advancement surgery: Effect of simultaneous articular disc repositioning.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we quantitatively assessed 3-dimensional condylar displacement during counterclockwise maxillomandibular advancement surgery (CMMA) with or without articular disc repositioning, focusing on surgical stability in the follow-up period. METHODS: The 79 patients treated with CMMA had cone-beam computed tomography scans taken before surgery, immediately after surgery, and, on average, 15 months postsurgery. We divided the 142 condyles into 3 groups: group 1 (n = 105), condyles of patients diagnosed with symptomatic presurgical temporomandibular joint articular disc displacement who had articular disc repositioning concomitantly with CMMA; group 2 (n = 23), condyles of patients with clinical verification of presurgical articular disc displacement who had only CMMA; and group 3 (n = 14), condyles of patients with healthy temporomandibular joints who had CMMA. Presurgical and postsurgical 3-dimensional models were superimposed using voxel-based registration on the cranial base. Three-dimensional cephalometrics and shape correspondence were applied to assess surgical and postsurgical displacement changes. RESULTS: Immediately after surgery, the condyles moved mostly backward and medially and experienced lateral yaw, medial roll, and upward pitch in the 3 groups. Condyles in group 1 showed downward displacement, whereas the condyles moved upward in groups 2 and 3 (P ≤0.001). Although condylar displacement changes occurred in the 3 groups, the overall surgical procedure appeared to be fairly stable, particularly for groups 1 and 3. Group 2 had the greatest amount of relapse (P ≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CMMA has been shown to be a stable procedure for patients with healthy temporomandibular joints and for those who had simultaneous articular disc repositioning surgery.

Does Temporomandibular Joint Pathology With or Without Surgical Management Affect the Stability of Counterclockwise Rotation of the Maxillomandibular Complex in Orthognathic Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the stability of counterclockwise rotation (CCWR) of the maxillomandibular complex (MMC) in orthognathic surgery with or without surgical correction of coexisting temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors implemented a systematic review and meta-analysis. A search of major databases through PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL was performed. Inclusion criteria were studies that analyzed CCWR of the MMC in regard to skeletal stability after orthognathic surgery in patients with or without pre-existing TMJ pathology that was or was not surgically corrected concomitantly. The predictor variables were patients who underwent CCWR of the MMC in the following subgroups: 1) healthy TMJs (presumed healthy based on history, clinical evaluation, and radiographic analysis but without magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] confirmation), 2) no TMJ assessment, 3) untreated TMJ disc displacement (confirmed by MRI), 4) TMJ disc displacement (confirmed by MRI) repositioned using Mitek anchors, and 5) reconstruction with TMJ total joint prosthesis. Outcome variables were surgical relapse for angular and linear measurements. Postsurgical mean changes for the occlusal plane (OP) and linear measurements using a fixed-effects model with a 95% confidence interval were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 345 patients enrolled in 12 studies were included in this study. There was significant OP relapse and horizontal relapse at the B point and menton for studies with untreated TMJ disc displacement and studies without TMJ assessment (P < .005). There was significant horizontal relapse at the A point for studies with healthy TMJs, without assessment of the TMJs, and with TMJ reconstruction with total joint prostheses (P < .005). There was no significant vertical relapse at the B and A points for all subgroup analyses (P < .005). CONCLUSION: The result of the meta-analysis suggests that CCWR of the MMC is a stable procedure for patients with healthy TMJs, patients undergoing concomitant TMJ disc repositioning with Mitek anchors, and patients with TMJ patient-fitted total joint prostheses but unstable in the presence of untreated TMJ disc displacements and when TMJ status is not assessed.

Does Orthognathic Surgery Cause or Cure Temporomandibular Disorders? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: There is still controversy about whether orthognathic surgery negatively or positively affects temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The purpose of this study was to determine whether orthognathic surgery has a beneficial or deleterious effect on pre-existing TMDs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched 3 major databases to locate all pertinent articles published from 1980 to March 2016. All subjects in the various studies were stratified a priori into 9 categories based on subdiagnoses of TMDs. The predictor variables were those patients with pre-existing TMDs who underwent orthognathic surgery in various subgroups. The outcome variables were maximal mouth opening and signs and symptoms of a TMD before and after orthognathic surgery based on the type of osteotomy. The meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Biostat, Englewood, NJ). RESULTS: A total of 5,029 patients enrolled in 29 studies were included in this meta-analysis. There was a significant reduction in TMDs in patients with a retrognathic mandible after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) (P = .014), but no significant difference after bimaxillary surgery (BSSO and Le Fort I osteotomy) (P = .336). There was a significant difference in patients with prognathism after isolated BSSO or intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy and after combined BSSO and Le Fort I osteotomy (P = .001), but no significant difference after BSSO (P = .424) or bimaxillary surgery (intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy and Le Fort I osteotomy) (P = .728). CONCLUSIONS: Orthognathic surgery caused a decrease in TMD symptoms for many patients who had symptoms before surgery, but it created symptoms in a smaller group of patients who were asymptomatic before surgery. The presence of presurgical TMD symptoms or the type of jaw deformity did not identify which patients' TMDs would improve, remain the same, or worsen after surgery.

Is Counterclockwise Rotation of the Maxillomandibular Complex Stable Compared With Clockwise Rotation in the Correction of Dentofacial Deformities? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare postsurgical skeletal stability between counterclockwise rotation (CCWR) of the maxillomandibular complex (MMC) and clockwise rotation (CWR) of the MMC for the correction of dentofacial deformities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To address the study purpose, we designed and implemented a systematic review with meta-analysis based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search strategy was developed, and a search of major databases-PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)-was conducted to find all pertinent articles published from inception through March 2016. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, retrospective studies, and case series with the aim of comparing postsurgical stability of CCWR and CWR of the MMC. The analysis was performed using lateral cephalometric analysis of postsurgical mean values and correlation between the surgical and postsurgical changes of the occlusal plane angle and linear changes at A point and B point. A weighted mean difference analysis using a random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals was performed. RESULTS: A total of 133 patients were enrolled from 3 studies (CCWR, n = 83; CWR, n = 50). All included studies were at moderate risk of bias. There was a statistically significant difference between CCWR and CWR of the MMC in the postsurgical changes of the occlusal plane angle (P = .034), but no statistically significant difference was found in the correlation between the surgical and postsurgical changes of the occlusal plane angle in the 2 groups. There was no statistically significant difference between CCWR and CWR of the MMC for stability between assessments immediately after surgery and at longest follow-up relative to the vertical and horizontal positions at A point and B point (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: CCWR compared with CWR for the correction of dentofacial deformities in the absence of pre-existing temporomandibular joint pathology is skeletally stable relative to the postsurgical changes of the occlusal plane, as well as the vertical and horizontal changes of the maxilla and mandible.

Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Can Be Successfully Treated With TMJ Concepts Patient-Fitted Total Joint Prosthesis and Autogenous Fat Grafts.

PURPOSE: To measure and identify factors associated with treatment outcomes for patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis treated with TMJ Concepts patient-fitted total joint prostheses and autogenous fat grafts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study evaluated records of patients with TMJ ankylosis from a single private practice, treated from 1992 to 2011, who met the following inclusion criteria: 1) radiographic evidence of bony ankylosis, 2) limited incisal opening, 3) minimum of 12 months' follow-up, and 4) treatment with TMJ Concepts (Ventura, CA)/Techmedica (Camarillo, CA) total joint prostheses and fat grafts. For each patient, the number of previous TMJ surgical procedures, as well as the estimated age of ankylosis onset, age at surgery, and length of postoperative follow-up, was recorded. Subjective evaluations were made with Likert-like scales (from 0 to 10) for 1) TMJ pain, 2) headache and facial pain, 3) jaw function, 4) diet, and 5) disability. Objective evaluations included maximal incisal opening and excursion movements. Nonparametric statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: There were 32 patients (22 female and 10 male patients) with 48 ankylosed TMJs (16 bilateral and 16 unilateral) in this study, with a mean age of 39 years (range, 11 to 68 years), 2 or more previous TMJ surgical procedures in 69%, and a mean follow-up period of 68 months (range, 12 to 168 months). Trauma was the major etiology of TMJ ankylosis, occurring in 17 of 32 patients (53%). The following improvements occurred: The median value for TMJ pain changed from 8.0 preoperatively to 1.5 at longest follow-up; headache, from 8 to 3.5; facial pain, from 8 to 4; jaw function, from 8 to 2.5; diet, from 7 to 3; and disability, from 7 to 1.5. The median incisal opening was 14.5 mm (interquartile range, 6.3 to 20 mm) preoperatively and 35 mm (interquartile range, 30 to 40 mm) at longest follow-up. The median left lateral excursion improved from 0.5 to 2 mm, and the median right lateral excursion improved from 1 to 1.3 mm. All of these improvements were highly significant (P < .001, Wilcoxon tests). Equally favorable outcomes were found in patients with 12 to 48 months of maximal follow-up and patients with more than 48 months of maximal follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of TMJ ankylosis with the TMJ Concepts patient-fitted total joint prosthesis in combination with fat grafting around the articulation area of the prosthesis is a viable and predictable method for improving pain levels, function, and quality of life, as well as prevention of reankylosis of the TMJ.

Does Unilateral Temporomandibular Total Joint Reconstruction Result in Contralateral Joint Pain and Dysfunction?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients requiring unilateral total temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction and the risk for development of postsurgical contralateral TMJ pain and dysfunction over time requiring subsequent contralateral total joint reconstruction. Long-term subjective and objective outcomes of unilateral TMJ reconstruction also were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients underwent unilateral total joint reconstruction using a patient-fitted total joint prosthesis from a single private practice from 1990 through 2012. The inclusion criteria were 1) unilateral TMJ reconstruction with TMJ Concepts or Techmedica patient-fitted total joint prosthesis; 2) operation performed by 1 surgeon (L.M.W.); 3) minimum 12-month follow-up; and 4) adequate records. There were no specific exclusion criteria. The primary outcome variable was to evaluate the effects of unilateral TMJ reconstruction with a total joint prosthesis on the contralateral TMJ relative to development of pain and dysfunction requiring subsequent contralateral reconstruction with a total joint prosthesis. Secondary outcome variables for all patients included TMJ pain, facial pain, headaches, diet, disability, quality of life, maximum incisal opening (MIO), and lateral excursion movements after unilateral TMJ reconstruction with the patient-fitted total joint prosthesis. Student t test and Wilcoxon test were used for statistical analyses, with a P value less than .01 for statistical significance. RESULTS: Sixty-one of 70 patients (87%) met the inclusion criteria (47 women [77%] and 14 men [23%]; average age, 38 yr; age range, 11 to 69 yr; average follow-up, 44 months; range, 12 to 215 months). Eight of 61 patients (13%) subsequently required contralateral TMJ reconstruction with a total joint prosthesis related to contralateral pain, dysfunction, and arthritis, but all 8 (8 of 27 [29.6%]) had previous contralateral TMJ disc repositioning surgery. For the secondary outcomes, TMJ pain decreased 63%, jaw function improved 61%, facial pain decreased 59%, headaches decreased 57%, diet improved 52%, disability decreased 58.5%, and MIO increased from 31.4 to 38.8 mm (mean change, 7.4 mm). All subjective factors and MIO showed statistically significant improvements at longest follow-up (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients requiring unilateral TMJ reconstruction with a patient-fitted total joint prosthesis have a strong probability of improving their clinical condition and do not require bilateral reconstruction if the contralateral TMJ is healthy. Patients with previous or concomitant contralateral TMJ surgery (articular disc repositioning) have an approximately 30% chance of requiring a total joint prosthesis in the future.

Potential Indications for Tissue Engineering in Temporomandibular Joint Surgery.

PURPOSE: Musculoskeletal tissue engineering has advanced to the stage where it has the capability to engineer temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anatomic components. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of literature identifying specific indications for the use of TMJ tissue engineering solutions. The objective of this study was to establish an initial set of indications and contraindications for the use of engineered tissues for replacement of TMJ anatomic components. FINDINGS: There was consensus among the authors that the management of patients requiring TMJ reconstruction as the result of 1) irreparable condylar trauma, 2) developmental or acquired TMJ pathology in skeletally immature patients, 3) hyperplasia, and 4) documented metal hypersensitivities could be indications for bioengineered condyle and ramus TMJ components. There was consensus that Wilkes stage III internal derangement might be an indication for use of a bioengineered TMJ disc or possibly even a disc-like bioengineered "fossa liner." However, there was some controversy as to whether TMJ arthritic disease (e.g., osteoarthritis) and reconstruction after failed alloplastic devices should be indications. Further research is required to determine whether tissue-engineered TMJ components could be a viable option for such cases. Contraindications for the use of bioengineered TMJ components could include patients with TMJ disorders and multiple failed surgeries, parafunctional oral habits, persistent TMJ infection, TMJ rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosis unless the underlying pathology can be resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Biomedical engineers must appreciate the specific indications that might warrant TMJ bioengineered structures, so that they avoid developing technologies in search of problems that might not exist for patients and clinicians. Instead, they should focus on identifying and understanding the problems that need resolution and then tailor technologies to address those specific situations. The aforementioned indications and contraindications are designed to serve as a guide to the next generation of tissue engineers in their strategic development of technologies to address specific clinical issues.

Concomitant treatment of mandibular ameloblastoma and bilateral temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis with bone graft and total joint prostheses.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that can create clinical problems in the masticatory musculature, jaws, occlusion, and other associated structures and is commonly accompanied by inflammatory changes and pain. Many cases of TMJ dysfunction can be managed with nonsurgical therapies, but patients with irreversible TMJ damage may require surgical intervention for repair or reconstruction. Despite various methods of TMJ reconstruction, the patient-fitted total joint prostheses may be the best option to achieve good outcomes. Multicystic ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic neoplasm of the jaws that is found most often in the mandible, in the region of the molars, and the ramus. Ameloblastomas usually progress slowly, but are locally invasive and may cause significant morbidity and sometimes death. This report describes a case of concomitant treatment of recurrent mandibular ameloblastoma and severe bilateral TMJ osteoarthritis treated by resection of the tumor, reconstruction with bone grafting, and bilateral TMJ reconstruction in a 63-year-old woman.

Twenty-year follow-up study on a patient-fitted temporomandibular joint prosthesis: the Techmedica/TMJ Concepts device.

PURPOSE: To evaluate subjective and objective outcomes of patients receiving Techmedica (currently TMJ Concepts) patient-fitted temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total joint replacement (TJR) devices after 19 to 24 years of service. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study evaluated 111 patients operated on by 2 surgeons using Techmedica (Camarillo, CA) patient-fitted TMJ TJR devices from November 1989 to July 1993. Patients were evaluated before surgery and at least 19 years after surgery. Subjective evaluations used standard forms and questions with a Likert scale for 1) TMJ pain (0, no pain; 10, worst pain imaginable), 2) jaw function (0, normal function; 10, no movement), 3) diet (0, no restriction; 10, liquid only), and 4) quality of life (QoL; improved, the same, or worse). Objective assessment measured maximum incisal opening (MIO). Comparison analysis of presurgical and longest follow-up data used nonparametric Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Spearman correlations evaluated the number of prior surgeries in relation to objective and subjective variables. RESULTS: Of the 111 patients, 56 (50.5%) could be contacted and had adequate records for inclusion in the study. Median follow-up was 21 years (interquartile range [IQR], 20 to 22 yr). Mean age at surgery was 38.6 years (standard deviation, 10 yr). Median number of previous TMJ surgeries was 3 (IQR, 4). Presurgical and longest follow-up data comparison showed statistically significant improvement (P < .001) for MIO, TMJ pain, jaw function, and diet. At longest follow-up, 48 patients reported improved QoL, 6 patients reported the same QoL, and 2 patients reported worse QoL. Spearman correlations showed that an increased number of previous surgeries resulted in lower levels of improvement for TMJ pain and MIO. CONCLUSIONS: At a median of 21 years after surgery, the Techmedica/TMJ Concepts TJR continued to function well. More previous TMJ surgeries indicated a lesser degree of improvement. No devices were removed owing to material wear.

A classification system for conditions causing condylar hyperplasia.

A classification system was developed to place patients with condylar hyperplasia (CH) into categories based on histology, clinical and imaging characteristics, effects on the jaws and facial structures, and rate of occurrence. Four major categories were defined. CH type 1 is an accelerated and prolonged growth aberration of the "normal" mandibular condylar growth mechanism, causing a predominantly horizontal growth vector, resulting in prognathism that can occur bilaterally (CH type 1A) or unilaterally (CH type 1B). CH type 2 refers to enlargement of the mandibular condyle caused by an osteochondroma, resulting in predominantly unilateral vertical overgrowth and elongation of the mandible and face. One of the forms has predominantly a vertical growth vector and condylar enlargement, but without exophytic tumor extensions (type 2A), whereas the other primary form grows vertically but develops horizontal exophytic tumor growth off of the condyle (CH type 2B). CH type 3 includes other rare, benign tumors and CH type 4 includes malignant conditions that originate in the mandibular condyle causing enlargement. The order of classification is based on occurrence rates and type of pathology, where CH type 1A is the most commonly occurring form and CH type 4 is the rarest. This classification system for CH pathology should help the clinician understand the nature of the pathology, progression if untreated, recommended ages for surgical intervention to minimize adverse effects on subsequent facial growth and development in younger patients, and the surgical protocols to comprehensively and predictably treat these conditions.