Superior half of the sternoclavicular joint pedicled with the sternocleidomastoid muscle for reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint: a preliminary study with a simplified technique and expanded indications

The sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) has similar anatomical and physical characteristics to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The purpose of this article is to introduce a modified technique for the pedicled SCJ and the expanded indications for its use. During the period June 2011 to June 2014, six TMJs were reconstructed using the superior half of the SCJ pedicled with the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The inclusion criteria were (1) poor vascularization jeopardizing a non-vascularized TMJ replacement, and/or (2) a large defect of both bone and soft tissue. The average follow-up period was 14.8 months (range 7–39 months). Fracture of the clavicle occurred in one patient (16.7%). No recurrence, graft resorption, or secondary deformity was found. Reconstruction of the TMJ using the superior half of the SCJ pedicled with the clavicle head of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and sternocleidomastoid branch of the superior thyroid artery benefited patients who had a poor blood supply and a medullary condition or who had a defect in both the condyle and surrounding soft tissue.