Current status of replacement of the temporomandibular joint in the United Kingdom.

Total replacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has been done in the UK since 1987. The three currently available systems are the Christensen system, the TMJ Concepts system and the Lorenz (BMF) system. Data from surgeons who replace TMJ were collated up to May 2007. There were nine units (eight NHS, one private) offering replacement. The TMJ Concepts system is the most popular of the three systems. Units are treating between five and 12 patients each year with an estimated total annual workload of 60-65 patients. The current total costs range from pound 15 000 to pound 19 000 for bilateral replacement. The most worrying complication is infection, which may affect up to 2.6% of patients.