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Maximum voluntary bite force in patients with alloplastic total TMJ replacement--a prospective study
Sabine S Linsen1, Rudolf H Reich, Marcus Teschke
1Department of Prosthodontics, Preclinical Education and Dental Materials Science, University Hospital Bonn, Germany. sabinelinsen@web.de
Summary
Alloplastic total temporomandibular joint replacement (TJR) significantly improves bite force and jaw opening in patients with TMJ disorders. This procedure enhances the biomechanical integrity of the stomatognathic system.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Alloplastic total temporomandibular joint replacement (TJR) is utilized for end-stage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease, congenital disorders, and post-oncological surgery.
- TJR aims to alleviate pain and restore function in patients with severe TMJ pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of alloplastic TJR on maximum voluntary bite force and maximum interincisal opening (MIO).
- To assess functional recovery in patients with condylar hypomobility and condylar instability following TJR.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen patients with condylar hypomobility (8) or instability (9) underwent alloplastic TMJ reconstruction.
- Maximum voluntary bite force and MIO were measured pre-operatively and at 2, 6, and 12 months post-surgery.
- The Wilcoxon signed-ranks test was employed for statistical analysis of ordinal data.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in maximum voluntary bite force were observed in both hypomobility (P = 0.003) and instability (P = 0.007) groups.
- A significant enhancement in maximum interincisal opening (MIO) was noted at the 12-month follow-up (P = 0.002).
Conclusions:
- Alloplastic TJR demonstrates efficacy in increasing both maximum voluntary bite force and MIO.
- The procedure may improve the biomechanical integrity of the stomatognathic system and patients' ability to masticate food effectively.
