Title
Clinical evaluation of patients with temporomandibular joint implants
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2002
Abstract
Purpose: An undetermined number of patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms have been treated with intra-articular disc implants composed of Teflon ethylene/propylene or Teflon polytetrafluoroethylene and aluminum oxide (Proplast-Teflon; Vitek, Houston, TX). These implants have shown the potential to fragment in situ resulting in nonbiodegradable particles that stimulate a giant cell reaction and lead to degeneration of local structures, pain, and limitation of mandibular opening. We examined the possible relationship between TMJ implants and persistent pain, responses to sensory stimuli, quality of life, and systemic immune dysfunction. Patients and Methods: This case series (32 patients) were referred from university-based orofacial pain centers and private practices from across the United States. Laboratory and clinical assessments evaluated orofacial pain symptoms, neurologic function, clinical signs and symptoms of rheumatologic disease, physical function, systemic measures of immune function, and behavioral measures. Results: We found that TMJ implant patients appeared to have altered sensitivity to sensory stimuli, a higher number of tender points with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, increased self-report of chemical sensitivity, higher psychologic distress and significantly lower functional ability. Systemic illness or autoimmune disease was not evident in this series of TMJ implant patients. Conclusions: Significant problems were noted on clinical assessment of TMJ implant patients. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
First Page
1389
Last Page
1399
Recommended Citation
Ta, L., Phero, J., Pillemer, S., Hale-Donze, H., McCartney-Francis, N., Kingman, A., Max, M., Gordon, S., Wahl, S., & Dionne, R. (2002). Clinical evaluation of patients with temporomandibular joint implants. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 60 (12), 1389-1399. https://doi.org/10.1053/joms.2002.36089