Novel approach to the study of jaw kinematics in an alloplastic TMJ reconstruction

Total alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction is a reliable treatment modality in patients with severely diseased TMJ with good clinical behaviour. TMJ mandibular function after alloplastic reconstruction has scarcely been analysed as a biomechanical parameter and investigation has generally been limited to interincisal measurements without deeper insight into joint kinematics. Dynamic stereometry to assess condylar movements relative to the fossa was performed at the 5 year follow-up of a patient who underwent condylar resection of the right TMJ followed by total alloplastic joint reconstruction to treat pigmented villonodular synovitis. The patient could achieve wide mouth opening, but overall mandibular kinematics showed a strong deviation towards the prosthetic side due to the lack of mandibular translation caused by the absence of the lateral pterygoid attachment. Possible overloading of the joint contralateral to the TMJ prosthesis might be prevented by optimizing replacement joint design.