The effects of continuous passive motion on the temporomandibular joint after surgery. Part I. Appliance design and fabrication

The application of continuous passive motion (CPM) to synovial joints immediately after orthopedic surgery stimulates the regeneration of articular tissue, eliminates adhesions, prevents joint stiffness, reduces pain, and is well tolerated by patients. This article reviews the development of CPM in animal studies and its subsequent clinical applications to patients after orthopedic surgery. It seems likely that CPM applied to the temporomandibular joint after surgery would result in similar advantages to patients. We identify the criteria for the function, patient acceptability, and safety of a CPM appliance to be used on the temporomandibular joint. The first prototype is described and redesigned in a second model that meets the necessary criteria for testing on patients.