Nonsurgical Management of Temporomandibular Joint Arthropathy.

Arthropathy is a broad diagnostic term for any pathologic condition afflicting one or more joints of the body. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthropathy is an umbrella term that may be applied to mechanical dysfunction or disease of one or both TMJs. This article provides evidence-based recommendations for conducting a patient evaluation, initiating a diagnostic workup, formulating an assessment, and instituting various nonsurgical modalities for the treatment of TMJ arthropathies.

Arthroscopic management of synovial chondromatosis with skull base perforation: A case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Synovial chondromatosis (SC) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a synovial membrane disease characterized by the formation of cartilaginous nodules (CN), that may erode the skull base. Historically, cases with skull base involvement have been treated with open surgery. We report a case of TMJ SC with skull base perforation treated and repaired via minimally invasive TMJ arthroscopy and describe the advanced endoscopic operative maneuvers performed. CASE REPORT: A 34-year-old male presented with a 4-year history of malocclusion and right TMJ arthralgia. Clinical examination demonstrated malocclusion and direct pressure loading pain. Advanced imaging revealed glenoid fossa erosion and numerous homogenous hypointense lesions within an effusion. The initial surgical plan included diagnostic TMJ arthroscopy followed by conversion to open arthroplasty. Endoscopic operative maneuvers allowed for the accomplishment of the surgical goals, completely arthroscopically. Histopathology confirmed SC, and the patient remains on observation, with relief of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Advanced arthroscopy is a viable treatment option for select cases of TMJ SC with skull base involvement that allowed for access to the joint space, retrieval of biopsy specimens and CN, and repair of the skull defect.

A Simplified Approach to Jaw-in-a-Day Using a Preassembled Prosthesis: Lowering the Barrier to Entry.

Fibula flap reconstruction with primary dental implant placement has been established as a successful procedure for composite mandibular defects. When using virtual surgical planning, these techniques typically require additional personnel and materials preoperatively and intraoperatively to fabricate occlusal-based guidance and prosthesis. The authors present a technique utilizing a custom-made implant-supported prosthesis completed before surgery that greatly reduces lead time and needed resources. The authors follow the established workflow of segmental mandibulectomy and fibula flap reconstruction using premanufactured cutting guides and placement of dental implants. Cylindrical holes along the implant axes are included in the printed surgical model provided by the guide manufacturer. Acrylic resin and abutments are added to the model to a positioning stent for use during surgery that does not require intraoperative modification before fibula inset. This ensures optimal position for facial esthetics and fixed dental rehabilitation. The presented technique uses printed models already provided by the guide manufacturer, reducing preparation time and requiring fewer personnel and materials intraoperatively. This is an approach to the jaw-in-a-day procedure with a lower barrier to entry that may be used by new craniofacial teams.