Adverse Local Tissue Responses to Failed Temporomandibular Joint Implants.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether failed alloplastic temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) devices can elicit the aseptic lymphocyte-dominated vasculitis-associated lesion (ALVAL) reaction seen in some patients with metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved analysis of paraffin-embedded sections of peri-implant tissue from failed TMJ implant cases obtained from 3 independent sources. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, conventional and polarized light microscopy, back-scattered electron imaging, and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis were used. Immunohistochemical methods were used to identify T and B lymphocytes and macrophages. RESULTS: The total TMJR device specimens showed primary macrophage and lymphocytic responses similar to responses reported previously for failed total hip implants, including ALVAL. No chronic or acute inflammation was apparent in the failed hemiarthroplasty TMJR cases. CONCLUSION: In this limited preliminary study, the local tissue responses to the failed TMJR implants showed similar primary macrophage and lymphocyte responses to previously reported failed metal-on-metal and metal-on-polyethylene orthopedic total joint replacement devices. No such local inflammatory responses were seen with the failed TMJR hemiarthroplasty devices.