VOLUME 36 - NUMBER 1 - 2015

A monolateral TMJ replacement under intraoral endoscopic assistance for jaw osteomielitis: a modified approach


  • Belli E., Mici E., Mazzone N., Catalfamo L., Fini G., Liberatore G.M.
  • Methods, Techniques, Drugs, 36-39
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  • Alloplastic replacement has become a valid treatment for TMJ endstage disease. The Alkayat and Bramley pre-auricular approach combined with the submandibular incision are the current surgical approaches for TMJ surgery. The present study shows a modified approach using intraoral endoscopic assistance. A female patient affected by jaw osteomielitis with condylar detachment was treated with total left TMJ alloplastic replacement combined with a right TMJ arthroplasty. No subamandibular incision was performed and, subsequently, the risks for permanent or temporary damage to the marginalis mandibulae nerve and surgical submandibular scar were avoided. Postoperative CT-Scan evidenced a good prosthesis position. No complications occurred after two years of follow-up.

  • KEY WORDS: TMJ replacement - Endoscopic - Jaw - Osteomielitis - Prosthesis