Total temporomandibular joint replacement in recurrent temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a case report

Total temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) is a surgical procedure in which end-stage temporomandibular joint disorders are replaced with an alloplastic prosthesis between the mandible and the base of the skull when autogenous grafts are inadvisable. These alloplastic prostheses may be available as stock or custom-made prostheses consisting of the mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa components. Although the first total temporomandibular joint prosthesis was used in the 1960s, we present the case of a 20-year-old female patient, probably the first case of total temporomandibular joint arthroplasty in Nepal, performed at Dhulikhel Hospital in Kavrepalanchok. The patient underwent bilateral TMJR with a custom joint prosthesis for recurrent TMJ ankylosis. Postoperatively, the patient noticed significant improvements in mouth opening, chewing ability, facial esthetics and, most importantly, her self-esteem and confidence.