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Updated: May 7, 2026
A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
[Functional results after temporomandibular joint reconstruction using a total joint prosthesis (part II)]
X A Mommers1, L Wajszczjak1, N Zwetyenga1
1Service de chirurgie maxillo-faciale, chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice, esthétique et chirurgie de la main, faculté de médecine, université de Bourgogne, CHU, boulevard de Lattre-de-Tassigny, 21000 Dijon, France.
Introduction:
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are usually managed medically. But partial or total reconstruction may be indicated according to the severity and the functional impairment. We assessed the functional results after total TMJ reconstruction using the Biomet Microfixation® prosthesis (Jacksonville, FL, USA).
Material And Methods:
We reviewed the files of patients having undergone reconstruction, between 2009 and 2010, with a total TMJ prosthesis. We analyzed the pre- and postoperative mouth opening, the pre- and postoperative occlusion, pre- and postoperative pain according to a simple spoken scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 4 (severe pain).
Results:
Twelve total TMJ prostheses were placed in five women and three men (mean age 49.2 years). Restriction of mouth opening was the first cause of consultation. The etiology was trauma for four patients. Three patients had preoperative malocclusion. Four patients had bilateral reconstruction. Preoperative pain ranged between 2 and 4. The average initial mouth opening was 17.8mm. There was neither infection nor any major complication. No prosthesis was removed. The mean follow-up was 18.5 months. At the end of the study, pain ranged between 0 and 2. All patients with preoperative malocclusion resumed an Angle class I postoperatively. The average postoperative mouth opening was 39.5mm.
Discussion:
Total TMJ reconstruction with the Biomet Microfixation® prosthesis improves mouth opening and reduces pain.
