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UK temporomandibular joint replacement database: a report on one-year outcomes
R Elledge1, A Attard2, J Green2
1Specialty Registrar (ST6) in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
|September 18, 2017
Summary
The British Association of TMJ Surgeons (BATS) National Database shows that first-year outcomes for alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacements significantly improve pain, function, and quality of life for most patients.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacements are becoming more specialized.
- Supraregional centers are emerging for high-volume TMJ replacement surgery.
- A national TMJ replacement database was established by the British Association of TMJ Surgeons (BATS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the first-year outcomes of alloplastic TMJ replacements using the BATS National Case Registration database.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of TMJ replacement surgery in improving patient outcomes.
- To establish a benchmark for future longitudinal studies on TMJ replacements.
Main Methods:
- Review of data from the BATS National Case Registration of TMJ Replacement up to June 2014.
- Analysis of 252 one-year outcome records.
- Statistical evaluation of key outcomes including interincisal distance, pain scores, and quality of life.
Main Results:
- Median improvement in interincisal distance: 9 mm (p<0.001).
- Median improvement in worst-sided pain score: 6 points (p<0.001).
- Significant increase in patients reporting good, very good, or outstanding quality of life (38% to 87%, p<0.001).
- Pain scores improved or remained stable in 98% of patients at one year.
Conclusions:
- First-year outcomes from the BATS national database demonstrate significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life after alloplastic TMJ replacement.
- Results are comparable to smaller published series and indicate a high level of patient satisfaction.
- The national database provides valuable longitudinal data for ongoing evaluation of TMJ replacement surgery.
