title: Temporomandibular joint reconstruction with alloplastic prosthesis: the outcomes of four cases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of four patients receiving stock Biomet TMJ prosthesis for reconstruction of the TMJs.
  
  
  METHODS
  TMJ reconstruction with stock Biomet TMJ prosthesis was performed in four patients who had joint damages by trauma, tumor, resorption, and ankylosis, which represent the indications of alloplastic prosthesis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Loss of condyle from trauma and resorption of joint are good indications for prosthesis, but the patients should be informed about limitation of jaw movement. In case of structural damage of TMJ by tumor, tumor recurrence should be considered before planning TMJ reconstruction. Considering heterotopic bone formation in case of ankylosis, periodic follow-up and special surgical technique are required.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Given careful treatment planning and understanding the functional limitation of TMJ prosthesis, alloplastic prosthesis is a safe and effective management option for the reconstruction of TMJs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752 Republic of Korea.|Present address: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jung-Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752 Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Eun
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jo
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752 Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hoon
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752 Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hyung Jun
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: Alloplastic prosthesis; Biomet; Indication; Reconstruction; Temporomandibular joint