Comparison of 2 temporomandibular joint total joint prosthesis systems

Abstract

Purpose: The study goal was to evaluate the comparative outcomes of patients treated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total joint prostheses, using either the Christensen prosthesis (TMJ Inc, Golden, CO) (CP) or the TMJ Concepts prosthesis (TMJ Concepts Inc, Camarillo, CA; formerly Techmedica Inc) (TP).

Patients and methods: Forty-five consecutive patients treated with either CP or TP total joint prostheses were evaluated. The CP group consisted of 23 patients (40 prostheses; average patient age, 38.8 years). The TP group consisted of 22 patients (38 prostheses; average patient age, 38.5 years). The average number of previous operations for the CP group was 3.9, whereas it was 2.6 for the TP group. The CP and TP groups had an average follow-up of 20.8 and 33.0 months, respectively. Patients were evaluated for incisal opening and occlusal and skeletal stability. A visual analog scale was used for subjective assessment of TMJ pain (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain), jaw function (0 = normal function, 10 = no function), and diet (0 = no limitations, 10 = liquids only). Statistical analysis was performed using an independent t test, and a value of P <.05 was considered significant.

Results: The average postsurgical incisal opening for the CP group was 30.1 mm (increase of 6.7 mm), and that for the TP group was 37.3 mm (increase of 9.9 mm), indicating significant increase of the TP group (P =.008). The average postsurgical pain level for the CP group was 6.0, a decrease of 1.8, and that for the TP group was 4.1, a decrease of 3.1, indicating significant improvement for the TP group (P =.042). Postsurgical average jaw function for CP was 5.5, an improvement of 1.2. The postsurgical TP average was 3.9, an improvement of 3.0, showing significant improvement for the TP group (P =.008). Average postsurgical diet rating for the CP group was 5.4, an improvement of 1.8. The TP group average was 3.9, an improvement of 2.0, indicating significant improved eating ability for the TP group (P =.021). Skeletal and occlusal stability were good in both groups.

Conclusion: The TP group had statistically significant improved outcomes compared with the CP group relative to postsurgical incisal opening, pain, jaw function, and diet. Both groups showed good skeletal and occlusal stability.