Updates on temporomandibular joint reconstruction following ablative surgery

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) following ablation is underreported in surgical literature.
• The unique biomechanical properties of the TMJ present significant reconstruction challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the complexities of TMJ reconstruction after ablation.
• To evaluate free tissue transfer, custom alloplastic implants, and virtual surgical planning in TMJ reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on TMJ reconstruction techniques.
• Discussion of technological advancements including 3D printing and virtual reality for patient-specific implants.
• Analysis of virtual surgical planning's role in optimizing autogenous graft approaches.

Main Results:

• Technological advances facilitate patient-specific customization for complex TMJ reconstructions.
• Virtual surgical planning demonstrates potential for improved outcomes and reduced operative times.
• Existing methods for ankylosis are less suitable for post-ablation TMJ reconstruction.

Conclusions:

• No established guidelines exist for TMJ reconstruction post-trauma or malignancy.
• Patient-specific customization and virtual surgical planning are emerging as key strategies.
• Optimizing autogenous graft approaches with virtual surgical planning shows promise for better patient outcomes.