Replacing temporomandibular joints

In TMJ patients, with severe pain and TMJ destruction causing a strong limitation of function, a small group remains therapy resistant. For these patients, after failure of open joint surgery, a total joint prosthesis may be indicated to treat these mutilated TMJs. One of the challenges in replacing the TMJ is the imitation of the complex movements of the natural TMJ, including both a rotational and translational component. A small number of TMJ prostheses have been realised, which were reported to have limitations with regards to the translational component of the joint movement. The major causes of the small numbers are the complex shape and wide range of movements of the natural TMJ and the small market, in combination with high financial risks in the case of failing devices.