A 2-Year comparison of quality of life outcomes between Biomet stock and OMX custom temporomandibular joint replacements

Purpose: Alloplastic joint replacement is the mainstay treatment for end-stage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the 2 year quality of life (QoL) outcomes for patients who have undergone alloplastic TMJ total joint replacement with either custom or stock devices. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who had TMJ replacement with either Biomet stock or OMX custom prostheses. All patients were recruited from the patient database of a single surgeon, at a single location. QoL was assessed using a patient completed TMJ Surgery specific QoL (TMJ-S-QoL) questionnaire. Patients answered questions pertaining to pain, diet, speech and aspects related to social and mental health. Results: A 2 year follow up was completed by 26 Biomet and 40 OMX patients. Survey results demonstrated that 84.6% (N = 22) of Biomet stock and 92.5% (N = 37) of OMX custom prosthesis patients derived significant QoL benefits from their surgery. There was no difference in QoL between the two groups (p > 0.4). Conclusion: This study shows that TMJ total joint replacements provide an improved quality of life for patients with end-stage TMJ disease regardless of whether the prosthesis is stock or individually custom made.