A protocol for the management of failed alloplastic temporomandibular joint disc implants.
OBJECTIVE
This is a retrospective evaluation of a protocol for management of failed alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc implants.


METHODS
The criteria for implant failure were defined as any one or combination of the following symptoms and signs: TMJ pain, jaw hypomobility, occlusal changes, and radiographic evidence of bone pathology related to the implant. The protocol consisted of removal of the implant, aggressive joint debridement, recontouring of the articulating surfaces, and placement of a pedicled temporalis muscle/fascia flap (TF) for joint lining. Arch bars and maxillomandibular guiding elastics were used if extensive condylar recontouring was necessary. No attempt was made to reconstruct the condyle or correct occlusal abnormalities at the time of implant removal. All 27 patients (42 joints) treated by this protocol during the study period were included for evaluation. There were 24 Proplast/Teflon (PTI) (Vitek, Inc, Houston, TX), 11 Silastic (SI) (Dow Corning, Midland, MI), and 7 Christensen Fossa implants (CFI) (TMJ Implants, Golden, CO) implants removed.


RESULTS
The mean follow-up period was 38.3 months (range, 3 to 65 months). Pain was well controlled in 24 of 27 patients (88.9%). Preoperative and postoperative mean maximal incisal opening (MIO) was 32.1 mm and 39.8 mm, respectively. Two patients (7.4%) required a second TMJ operation for persistent pain and limitation of opening. To date, 7 patients (25.9%) have required a secondary procedure (unilateral vertical ramus osteotomy, n = 1; Le Fort I osteotomy, n = 6) to correct occlusal prematurity on the operated side or bilateral open bite. The remaining patients have required no additional surgical treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study indicate that a proposed protocol is an effective means of controlling pain and improving jaw motion in patients with failed alloplastic TMJ disc implants.
Kearns
G J
GJ
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0440, USA.
Perrott
D H
DH
Kaban
L B
LB
D000328:Adult; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008670:Metals / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D011428:Proplast / Q000009:adverse effects; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012826:Silicone Elastomers / Q000009:adverse effects; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008670:Metals; D011428:Proplast; D012826:Silicone Elastomers