Modified surgical techniques for total alloplastic temporomandibular joint replacement: One institution's experience

Abstract Objective To present three modified techniques of total alloplastic temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJ TJR) and to evaluate the outcomes regarding prosthesis stability and heterotopic bone formation. Material and methods A total of 15 patients (19 joints), treated with the Biomet stock prosthesis from May 2006 to May 2013, were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical procedures were performed with the following three modifications: bone grafting of the glenoid fossa; salvage of TMJ discs; and harvesting of retro-mandibular subcutaneous fats. The glenoid fossa depth was measured preoperatively by Surgicase 5.0 software. All patients were evaluated by radiographic examination and surgical observation. Results The fossa was grafted with an autogenous bone in 15 joints (78.9%). In 4 joints (21.1%), only bone repair was performed. Radiographic evaluation revealed a good integration between the autogenous and host bones. All patients showed postoperative occlusal stability. In 5 joints (26.3%), the discs were salvaged. Both bleeding and operation time were reduced. Fat grafts were harvested in 17 joints (89.5%), in which there were no abnormalities in the periprosthetic bone structure. In 2 joints (10.5%), with no fat grafting, heterotopic bone formation was found. Conclusions The modified techniques of TJR help to improve prostheses stability, reducing heterotopic bone formation and avoiding additional scars.