Reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint using a temporalis graft with or without simultaneous orthognathic surgery

Invasive surgical procedures for the management of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint: a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the effects on pain and jaw mobility

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review compared minimally and invasive surgical procedures to manage arthrogenous temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The review included clinical trials assessing surgical procedures of arthrogenous temporomandibular disorder (TMD) management by carrying out comparisons within the same surgical procedure (pre- and post-treatment) as well as between different surgical procedures. Meta-analyses were conducted only for similar comparison reporting the same outcome measures, visual analog scale (VAS) values to evaluate pain and maximum incisal opening (MIO) values.

RESULTS

Of the 1,015 studies identified by the search strategy, 26 were selected for full-text reading, and 19 were included in the review. Of these, 16 studies were included in the meta-analysis and 3 in the qualitative analysis. The VAS scores showed significantly lower values after discectomies (p < 0.001) and discoplasties (p < 0.001) in the within-group comparison. Moreover, significantly lower VAS scores and higher MIO values were observed after discectomy compared to arthroscopy, eminectomy, and discoplasty (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this systematic review suggest that although significantly lower VAS scores and higher MIO values were observed after discectomy, the currently available scientific evidence is unclear, and the use of invasive surgical procedures should be implemented as an efficient first-line treatment option for arthrogenous TMD management.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

VAS and MIO outcomes could be insufficient to describe the success or failure of open surgical procedures like discectomy and discoplasty.

Longitudinal management of recurrent temporomandibular joint ankylosis from infancy to adulthood in perspective of surgical and orthodontic treatment

This study was performed to describe the longitudinal management of recurrent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis from infancy to adulthood in perspective of surgical and orthodontic treatment. A 2-year-old girl was referred with chief complaints of restricted mouth opening and micrognathia due to bilateral TMJ ankylosis. For stage I treatment during early childhood (6 years old), high condylectomy and interpositional arthroplasty were performed. However, TMJ ankylosis recurred and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) developed. For stage II treatment during early adolescence (12 years old), gap arthroplasty, coronoidectomy, bilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis, and orthodontic treatment with extraction of the four first premolars were performed. However, TMJ ankylosis recurred. Because the OSA symptoms reappeared, she began to use a continuous positive airway pressure device. For stage III treatment after completion of growth (20 years old), low condylectomy, coronoidectomy, reconstruction of the bilateral TMJs with artificial prostheses along with counterclockwise rotational advancement of the mandible, genioglossus advancement, and orthodontic treatment were performed. After stage III treatment, the amount of mouth opening exhibited a significant increase. Mandibular advancement and ramus lengthening resulted in significant improvement in the facial profile, Class I relationships, and normal overbite/overjet. The OSA symptoms were also relieved. These outcomes were stable at the one-year follow-up visit. Since the treatment modalities for TMJ ankylosis differ according to the duration of ankylosis, patient age, and degree of deformity, the treatment flowchart suggested in this report could be used as an effective guideline for determining the appropriate timing and methods for the treatment of TMJ ankylosis.

The new reconstruction technique in the treatment of the skin cancers located on the eyelid: Posterior temporalis fascia composite graft

Background

Difficulty of reconstruction of the eyelids arises from the need to reconstruct different supporting and covering structures in a single operation. Defects in the anterior lamella of the eyelids can be readily repaired with skin grafts or flaps but posterior lamellar reconstruction needs more complex applications.

Methods

We performed posterior lamellar eyelid reconstruction with posterior parts of the temporalis fascia, since their anatomical and histological features are very similar to the defects. Nine patients with skin tumors located on the periorbital region were treated with local skin flaps and deep layer of the temporalis fascia.

Results

Grafts were harvested very easily. There was no complication related with graft or donor site. Biopsy was performed in three cases and normal conjunctival elements were seen. Functional and acceptable aesthetically results were achieved in all patients.

Conclusion

Ideal reconstructive material for replacement of the posterior lamina is still lacking. Tarsal reconstruction can be made with deep temporalis fascia with success since the thickness of the both tissues are very similar and also since the loose areolar layer of the temporalis fascia is very thin and highly vascularized, this layer can be used in reconstruction of the conjunctiva. According to our knowledge this is the first report of using of the posterior part of temporalis fascia as a composite graft in the literature.

Subjective and objective assessment of the temporalis myofascial flap in previously operated temporomandibular joints

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the subjective and objective findings in patients who had undergone temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction with a temporalis myofascial flap. All joints had previously been reconstructed with alloplastic, allogeneic, or autogenous material.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-three consecutive patients who underwent 28 temporalis myofascial flap procedures were assessed subjectively and objectively preoperatively and at an average of 36 months postoperatively. Panoramic radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or coronal computed axial tomography scans (CT scans) were performed on all patients preoperatively to evaluate for joint disease. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients also reported their use of pain medication, ability to function, diet, complications, and overall satisfaction. Preoperative and postoperative objective assessment consisted of an evaluation of range of motion, deviation on opening, joint noise on function, and cosmesis.

RESULTS

On preoperative radiographic examination, 24 of 28 joints showed signs of bony degeneration, including cortical erosion, condylar flattening, and joint space alterations. Four joints showed evidence of ankylosis. The average preoperative maximal interincisal opening (MIO) was 23.7 mm, and the postoperative average was 32.3 mm (P<.05). Preoperatively, all patients displayed one or more objective clinical signs of joint disease such as joint noise on function, deviation on opening, limited mouth opening (less than 20 mm), or limited excursions (less than 2 mm). Postoperatively, 65% displayed one or more of these signs, a significant reduction (P<.05). Preoperatively, the average pain score was 8.2 on the VAS, and postoperatively the average pain score was 3.4 (P<.0005). Fifteen patients used less pain medication postoperatively, 7 used the same amount, and 1 patient used more. Thirteen patients were very satisfied with the overall results of the surgery, 4 were satisfied, and 4 were not satisfied. Two patients were satisfied with their increased function but were not satisfied with their pain reduction. All were satisfied with their cosmetic appearance. Minor complications after the procedure included 3 patients who had preauricular paresthesia and 1 who had an intraoperative dura mater exposure without sequelae. Two patients had postoperative superficial suture infections, and 2 noted hearing changes that were found to be clinically insignificant by audiologic examination.

CONCLUSION

The temporalis myofascial flap is an autogenous graft that has the advantages of close proximity to the temporomandibular joint, minimal surgical morbidity, and successful clinical results. It was found to be a valuable option for TMJ reconstruction in joints in which alloplastic, allogeneic, or autogenous materials have previously been placed unsuccessfully.

Results of reoperation after failed modified condylotomy

PURPOSE

This retrospective study reports the reoperation rate for failure after modified condylotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A consecutive series from each of two surgeons constituted the study group of 361 joints in 235 patients. Reoperation rates were calculated for all joints and by type of disc displacement.

RESULTS

A second operation occurred in 4.2% of all joints. However, the cumulative rate of reoperation was 4.4%, because one of the joints required a third operation. Although the rate of reoperation varied (0% to 6.5%) according to the type of disc displacement, the differences were not statistically significant. All joints requiring reoperation had a displaced disc, and more than half had lost nearly all the joint space gained by the primary operation.

CONCLUSION

The rate of reoperation for modified condylotomy is low. Risk factors for reoperation appear to be recurrent or residual disc displacement and loss of joint space after the first operation. Bilateral operation was not a risk factor.