LONG-TERM RESULTS ON VK PARTIAL AND TOTAL TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT SYSTEMS

This article reviews the results obtained on 262 VK partial and total temporomandibular joint (TMJ) procedures followed up to 10 years. VK I total joint (placed 1982 to 1986) cumulative success rate was 44% at 6 years and 20% at 10 years, while VK II (placed 1986 to 1990) cumulat ive success rate was 80% at 6 years. Material wear of the Teflon(R) FE P surface of the VK I fossa was the most common reason for failure. Th ere were no VK II material failures. A significant improvement in clin ical success parameters for both prostheses was found if no previous s urgeries were done before VK I or VK II total joint placement. Rib gra fts were not helpful after removal of total joint prostheses if patien ts had a history of multiple procedures. Total TMJ prostheses must be reserved for patients with alternative surgical failures or when these procedures are no longer indicated. Close monitoring by clinical exam ination and imaging is necessary.