Auricular cartilage grafting in arthroplasty of the temporomandibular joint: a retrospective clinical follow-up

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate TMJ arthroplasty with auricular cartilage grafts in patients with osteoarthritis, refractory to previous surgical and nonsurgical treatment.Study designTwenty-three TMJs in 18 patients where arthroplasty with auricular cartilage grafts had been performed were evaluated. Sixteen joints in 12 patients with grafts still in position were followed. TMJ pain at mandibular function, TMJ tenderness and mouth opening ability (MIO) were evaluated.ResultsThe grafts had to be removed from 7 TMJs (30%), all of which had been subject to previous surgery. In the 16 joints with grafts still in position a significant (P < .001) reduction of pain at mandibular function was found and MIO had increased significantly (P = .015).ConclusionsTMJ arthroplasty with auricular cartilage grafts can reduce pain and improve mandibular function in patients with osteoarthritis. The method seems to be less favorable in patients where previous TMJ surgery has been performed.