Sternoclavicular grafts for temporomandibular joint reconstruction

This study evaluated the long-term outcomes of 52 sternoclavicular grafts for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction in 38 patients. Patients were divided into three groups according to preoperative diagnosis and evaluated an average of 45 months (range, 10 to 84 months) postsurgery. Group 1 consisted of 14 patients (24 joints) with previous Proplast/Teflon implants (P/T; Vitek, Inc, Houston, TX;); successful reconstruction was achieved in only four patients (29%) and seven joints (29%). Group 2 included 10 patients (14 joints) with inflammatory TMJ pathology (non-P/T); success occurred in five patients (50%) and eight joints (57%). Group 3 consisted of 14 patients (14 joints) with non-P/T and noninflammatory TMJ pathology. Success in this group occurred in 13 patients (93%) and 13 joints (93%), with only one failure. The results of this study support the use of the sternoclavicular graft for TMJ reconstruction in a select group of patients and demonstrate a high failure rate in patients with previous P/T implants.