title: Improved outcomes after alloplastic TMJ replacement: analysis of a multicenter study from Australia and New Zealand.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to assess pain, function, diet, and quality of life (QOL) in subjects undergoing alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 72 subjects were sent a questionnaire an average of 4 years after undergoing either unilateral or bilateral total joint replacement with a custom TMJ Concepts or stock Biomet total joint replacement device. The changes in pain, function, diet, and quality of life were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 72 subjects, 52 returned the questionnaire. Pain, function, diet, and QOL were all significantly improved at a mean follow-up of 46.3 months. The complications reported included an altered facial sensation and facial weakness. No implant failures were reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The placement of an alloplastic TMJ total joint replacement can provide benefits for patients in the areas of pain, function, diet, and QOL. Additional research is required in this area.
authors.affiliation: Registrar, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia. Electronic address: Michael.Burgess@swahs.nsw.gov.au.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Burgess
authors.affiliation: Consultant Surgeon, John Hunter Hospital, and Private Practice, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bowler
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Surgery, James Cook University, and Former Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon, Townsville Hospital, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Consultant Surgeon, Private Practice, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hase
authors.affiliation: Consultant Surgeon, Palmerston North Hospital, and Private Practice, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Murdoch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D004032:Diet; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery