Interpositional arthroplasty versus reconstruction arthroplasty for temporomandibular joint ankylosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundInterpositional arthroplasty (IA) and reconstruction arthroplasty (RA) are widely used in treating temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA). But the reported clinical outcomes are controversial, the debate over which one is better remains.MethodsThe Pubmed, EMBASE, OVID EBM Reviews, and Web of science were searched up to Oct 11 2014 without limitation on year, language. Only randomized controlled trials and observational cohort studies with a follow-up of at least 12 months were included.ResultsA total of 8 retrospective cohort studies with 234 patients with TMJA were included in metaanalysis. Pooled analysis showed no significant differences in reankylosis (RD: −0.00; 95% CI: −0.08, 0.07; Z=0.06; P =0.95; I2 =0%), and maximum incisal opening (MD=0.99; 95% CI: −1.43, 3.4, Z=0.8, p=0.42; I2 =74%) between the IA and RA groups.ConclusionsIA and RA could produce similar outcomes in treating TMJA regarding to rankylosis and maximum incisal opening. Other postoperative complications, such as overgrowth of cartilage, malocclusion and the status of facial development should be evaluated more thoroughly.