Total condylar prosthesis for alloplastic jaw articulation replacement.

Increasing attention has been paid to the development and testing of endoprostheses for the mandibular joint during the past few years. Theoretical considerations and knowledge of the compressive forces acting on this joint during rotational movements of the jaw induced us to concentrate our efforts on complete artificial joints right from the start. The clinical results obtained with individually-produced total endoprostheses made of Wisil for the mandibular joint are described. So far, 9 such artificial joints have been implanted in 6 patients. The post-operative assessment of jaw function by the patients, the clinical findings, tooth load measurements and jaw tracing were used to estimate the success of treatment. A total mandibular joint prosthesis which is completely different in regard both to material and shape of the artificial condyle, based on the experience gained so far, is presented.