DEGENERATIVE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT DISEASE - SURGICAL-TREATMENT ANDLONG-TERM RESULTS

Purpose: In this study, the long-term evaluation after surgical treatm ent of temporomandibular joint with manifested degenerative changes an d internal derangement is described. The surgical procedure, including extensive exploration and remodeling of the joint, with interposition of lyophilized human costochondral cartilage, is described. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two cases (37 joints) were evaluated at a mean fo llow-up time of 3.1 and 8.6 years after the surgical treatment. Result s: A significant reduction of dysfunction and pain symptoms was achiev ed in most cases.