Alloplastic TMJ replacement in the skeletally immature patient - A systematic review.

This study assessed the current evidence for the use of TMJR reconstruction in skeletally immature patients. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. An electronic search in PubMed and Embase was performed. Meta-analysis randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, observational studies, case series, and case reports were eligible for inclusion. Case reports were also included due to the limited number of publications identified with the predefined terms. Exclusion criteria were: (1) studies written in a language other than English; (2) full-text unavailability (i.e., posters and conference abstracts). The selected studies were assessed for risk of bias. A meta-analysis was not performed as it necessitates a substantial between-study design homogeneity; hence, a descriptive synthesis of data was performed. There were 9 TMJR device reconstruction studies involving 14 subjects 13 years of age or younger. Follow-up ranged from 7 months to 120 months. All papers reported significant decrease in pain and improvement of diet. All prostheses were functional. No material failures of the prosthesis components were observed. The mandible continued to show limited growth following TMJR and most of the cases required no secondary or revision surgery even when the patient reached skeletal maturity. This systematic review had some limitations. The studies included had a low level of evidence and a high risk of bias. Most of the studies had a small patient sample, and no study had a control group. The literature reviewed supports the use of TMJR devices in the restoration of mandibular function and form in skeletally immature patients.