Stock versus Custom-made Joint Prostheses for TMJ Reconstruction
🧠 Article Overview
In the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, a fundamental question always arises: should surgeons use stock prostheses or opt for custom-made prostheses? Both options are available, and each has its own strengths and limitations.
A study published in 2024 addressed this question, aiming to provide a clear answer. In this research, 14 patients requiring Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement (TMJ TJR) were divided into two groups. Seven patients received custom-made prostheses, while the other seven received stock prostheses. Postoperative outcomes such as Maximum Interincisal Opening (MIO) and pain levels were evaluated.
The results were interesting: both groups experienced a significant reduction in pain and were satisfied with the partial restoration of jaw function. In fact, whether a custom-made or stock prosthesis was used, the patients’ quality of life improved. Importantly, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding postoperative mouth opening. In other words, custom-made prostheses did not show a definitive advantage over stock prostheses in this aspect.
However, custom-made prostheses offered a notable benefit: simpler surgical experience and shorter operation time. This is important for surgeons because it reduces intraoperative complications and enhances surgical precision.
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✅ Advantages of Custom-made Prostheses
• Accurate design based on patient-specific anatomy
• Reduced surgical time
• Smoother and more streamlined experience for the surgical team
✅ Advantages of Stock Prostheses
• Faster availability
• Lower cost compared to custom-made prostheses
• Comparable effectiveness in pain reduction and functional restoration
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📊 Summary
This study demonstrates that both types of prostheses—stock and custom-made—can significantly improve the quality of life for patients with severe TMJ problems. However, the choice depends on patient-specific factors, available resources, costs, and the surgical team’s preference. While custom-made prostheses appear more promising in certain respects, stock prostheses remain effective and practical in many cases.
