Two-year prospective study of outcomes following total temporomandibular joint replacement

The purpose of this 2-year prospective study was to investigate outcomes achieved with a stock temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement system in the management of end-stage TMJ disorders. Fifty-two patients requiring reconstruction (36 unilateral/16 bilateral) were operated on during the period 2006–2012; 68 total prostheses were implanted (Biomet Microfixation TMJ Replacement System). The mean age at surgery was 52.6 ± 11.5 years. Changes in the values of inclusion diagnostic criteria at entry were assessed. These included persistent and significant TMJ pain, functional impairment after failure of other surgical therapies, and imaging evidence consistent with advanced TMJ disease of more than 1-year duration. Subjects were excluded if they presented insufficient quantity/qua