A Minimally Invasive Approach for Temporomandibular Joint Replacement: A Pilot Study

Daniel E. Perez, Adam Wandell, Jason P. Jones, Felix Jose Amarista

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint replacement (TJR) with an alloplastic (metal/ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) device has proven to be a successful and predictable procedure. This paper describes a novel technique for performing TJR with an endaural incision alone. The technique we are describing uses only an endaural incision with supplemental trocar incision(s), to perform a TJR. There were 4 patients for a total of 8 temporomandibular joints that were selected. All 4 patients were assessed immediately following surgery, on postoperative days 1 and 7 and at 6 months following surgery. Maximal interincisal opening and subjective variables were assessed at each of the time points. Additionally, the total operative time was measured and compared to a previous age and diagnosis matched control group using the traditional 2 incisions TJR.There were 3 females and 1 male (ages 19-67) who underwent TJR with an endaural incision alone. There were 4 females (ages 19-68) who underwent traditional TJR surgery. None of the patients in either group had major complications and all patients were discharged on postoperative day 1. All patients in the endaural incision alone group had increased maximal interincisal opening and reported a quicker subjective decrease in pain and disability following surgery with less average time in the operating room. However, all patients in the endaural incision alone group had CN VII weakness that lasted longer than those in the traditional TJR group.The minimally invasive approach for TJR was successful in the present pilot study and could be used in specific situations to decrease the morbidity associated with additional incisions for this procedure. Ultimately, the endaural only incision approach offers promising outcomes for future patients undergoing temporomandibular joints TJR in the right patient population.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)256-265
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Volume80
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oral Surgery
  • Surgery
  • Otorhinolaryngology

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