Michael Burgess1, Michael Bowler2, Robert Jones3, Michael Hase4, Bruce Murdoch5. 1. Registrar, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia. Electronic address: Michael.Burgess@swahs.nsw.gov.au. 2. Consultant Surgeon, John Hunter Hospital, and Private Practice, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. 3. Professor, Department of Surgery, James Cook University, and Former Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon, Townsville Hospital, Queensland, Australia. 4. Consultant Surgeon, Private Practice, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 5. Consultant Surgeon, Palmerston North Hospital, and Private Practice, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess pain, function, diet, and quality of life (QOL) in subjects undergoing alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 subjects were sent a questionnaire an average of 4 years after undergoing either unilateral or bilateral total joint replacement with a custom TMJ Concepts or stock Biomet total joint replacement device. The changes in pain, function, diet, and quality of life were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 72 subjects, 52 returned the questionnaire. Pain, function, diet, and QOL were all significantly improved at a mean follow-up of 46.3 months. The complications reported included an altered facial sensation and facial weakness. No implant failures were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The placement of an alloplastic TMJ total joint replacement can provide benefits for patients in the areas of pain, function, diet, and QOL. Additional research is required in this area.
PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess pain, function, diet, and quality of life (QOL) in subjects undergoing alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 subjects were sent a questionnaire an average of 4 years after undergoing either unilateral or bilateral total joint replacement with a custom TMJ Concepts or stock Biomet total joint replacement device. The changes in pain, function, diet, and quality of life were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 72 subjects, 52 returned the questionnaire. Pain, function, diet, and QOL were all significantly improved at a mean follow-up of 46.3 months. The complications reported included an altered facial sensation and facial weakness. No implant failures were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The placement of an alloplastic TMJ total joint replacement can provide benefits for patients in the areas of pain, function, diet, and QOL. Additional research is required in this area.