How Patient-Specific TMJ Replacement Works, From CT to Prosthesis

When the temporomandibular joint is destroyed by ankylosis, end-stage degenerative disease, tumour resection or failed previous surgery, total alloplastic replacement with a patient-specific prosthesis is the definitive solution.

Who is a candidate?

• Bony or fibrous ankylosis with severe restriction of mouth opening
• End-stage degenerative or inflammatory joint disease
• Recurrent ankylosis after failed gap arthroplasty
• Condylar loss following tumour resection or severe trauma

Two components, designed as one system

The prosthesis comprises a fossa component — a titanium shell with an articular polyethylene surface — and a condylar component, a titanium ramus plate with a radiused condylar head. Both are engineered from the same CT segmentation, so the joint line and condyle-fossa relationship are fixed before the first incision. Occlusal splints generated from the plan can be printed alongside.

Surgery and rehabilitation

Access is preauricular for the fossa and submandibular for the ramus. Guides define the resection planes; components seat in a single correct orientation because fixation holes were designed — not improvised. Physiotherapy starts within days and drives long-term range of motion. Send the CT through our case form — design review, splints and guides are quoted as one package.