title: The Christensen prosthesis. A retrospective clinical study.
abstract: The objective of this study was to determine if the Christensen temporomandibular joint prosthesis system in an effective alternative in treating patients with severe temporomandibular joint disorders. A total of 69 patients who were not responsive to either nonsurgical or prior surgical treatments were placed into one of three treatment groups depending on the following diagnoses: (1) placement of a glenoid fossa-eminence prosthesis with meniscus retention (22 patients, 40 joints); (2) placement of a glenoid fossa-eminence prosthesis without retention of the meniscus (26 patients, 49 joints); (3) total joint replacement (21 patients, 34 joints). Patients were evaluated immediately before surgery and at regular intervals after surgery for an average of 3.1 years. Success was measured as a significant improvement of function and decrease in pain as measured on a visual analogue scale, as well as improved incisor opening as measured with a Therabite Scale (Lorenz Surgical, Jacksonville, Fla.). Comparison of mean and average pre- and postsurgical values for all groups and criteria showed significant improvement. Results of this study indicate that the Christensen temporomandibular joint prosthesis system may offer a viable method for the treatment of severe temporomandibular joint disease with a high degree of success.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000844:Ankylosis / Q000601:surgery; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000503:physiopathology; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000601:surgery; D002858:Chromium Alloys; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000503:physiopathology; D008409:Mastication; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000601:surgery; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002858:Chromium Alloys; D008768:Methylmethacrylates