Temporomandibular Joint Replacement: Past, Present and Future Material Considerations

Abstract

The history of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement devices involves the utilization of many different types of autogenous and alloplastic materials, some of which have been successful, many of which have not. This presentation will discuss the pertinent past history of TMJ replacement devices, their present status, and where they need to be going developmentally - from a materials standpoint - basically what has and hasn't worked and why. From this review, the important material, biological, mechanical and physiologic considerations that will assure the future development of safe and effective TMJ replacement components will be presented. There are a number of centers attempting to develop bioengineered tissue TMJ replacement devices. The same biological, mechanical and physiologic principles to be discussed will also apply to and affect the outcomes of any bioengineered TMJ device.