Patient-specific titanium onlay eminoplasty: A novel protocol for treatment of recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to introduce an accurate, less morbid and less time-consuming approach that secures the stability of the condylar movement's range for treating recurrent TMJ dislocations.

METHODS

Five patients were treated by surgical implantation of bilateral patient-specific titanium onlay eminoplasties; each implant was virtually designed using specific software and milled from grade V titanium blocks. Intraoperatively, each implant was fixed with three mini-screws along the lateral aspect of the zygomatic arch.

RESULTS

The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 1 year, which targeted the assessment of the maximal incisal mouth opening (MIO). The mean preoperative maximal incisal mouth opening figured (47.8 mm) vs (33.2 mm) for that recorded postoperatively. One patient reported postoperative slight unilateral pain that was gradually diminished through the first postoperative month.

CONCLUSION

The innovated patient-specific titanium eminoplasty represents an accurate alternative for treatment of chronic recurrent TMJ dislocation.