Regenerative potential of platelet concentrates in chronic oral mucosal lesions.

Chronic oral mucosal diseases (COMDs) represent a significant challenge for clinicians and patients. They are commonly associated with chronic pain and negative effects on healing and patient's quality of life. Regenerative medicine including the use of biological autologous blood-derived substances (e.g., platelet concentrates [PCs]), has been reported to improve healing and reduce pain in orthopedic and maxillofacial surgeries as well as chronic oral mucosal diseases. In this review, we aim to describe the different types of PCs and their applications in the management of COMDs such as lichen planus, mucositis, pemphigus vulgaris, mucous membrane pemphigoid, and plasma cell mucositis, in terms of healing potential, pain control, and quality of life. Overall, PC applications seem to enhance healing and reduce pain in patients with COMDs. However, due to the small sample size and the lack of standardized clinical trials, further research is required to support these findings.

Reconstruction of Large Defects Using Extended Temporomandibular Joint Patient-Matched Prostheses.

PURPOSE: Custom temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prostheses are useful in reconstructing large defects following TMJ resection. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of extended-temporomandibular joint replacement (e-TJR) for reconstructing these defects. METHODS: This is a single-group retrospective cohort study that enrolled patients having received an e-TJR between January 2004 and November 2019 at the University of Toronto. The primary outcome variable was a change in maximal interincisal opening (MIO) following reconstruction with an e-TJR, while the secondary outcome variables were changes in pain and quality of life following surgery. The investigators also documented the frequency and types of postoperative complications. Multivariate linear regressions were conducted and were considered significant at P < .05. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 17 patients (10 unilateral and 7 bilateral joint replacements). The mean age of those included was 44.0 years (standard deviation [SD] = 18.6), and 11 (65%) were female. The median follow-up time was 32 months. Starting at a baseline mean MIO of 28.8 mm (SD = 15.4), the mean MIO increased slightly to 35.2 mm (SD = 7.1) after e-TJR (P = .10). Similarly, mean pain scores decreased from 4.0 (SD = 4.0) to 1.0 (SD = 1.3), and mean quality of life scores improved from 0.50 (SD = 0.29) to 0.86 (SD = 0.10) following surgery (P = .007 and P = .001, respectively). No mechanical failures or catastrophic infections were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This initial study supports the e-TJR for the reconstruction of large TMJ and maxillofacial defects. Further high-quality studies are required to confirm these findings.

Alloplastic Temporomandibular Joint Replacement in Patients With Systemic Inflammatory Arthritis and Connective Tissue Disorders.

PURPOSE: We present a retrospective study to report the outcomes of total temporomandibular joint (TMJ TJR) replacement with alloplastic devices in patients suffering from systemic inflammatory arthropathies. METHODS: A total of 39 patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PA), juvenile idiopathic rheumatoid arthritis (JIA), or systemic lupus, underwent alloplastic total joint replacement(s) (TJR) from 1999 to 2019. Maximal interincisal opening (in mm) was recorded before surgery (T0), at 1-year post-surgery (T1) and at last follow-up (T2). A visual analog scale (from 0 to 10) was used for subjective examination of pain before surgery (T0) and at last follow-up (T2). Comparisons were conducted with statistical significance set at P < .05. RESULTS: Seventy-four joints were replaced in 39 patients. Thirty-two were female. The mean age was 36 years old (range 18-61) and the mean follow-up was 45.9 months (SD 49.4). The most common diagnosis was RA (n = 21), followed by JIA (n = 5) and AS (n = 5), PA (n = 4), lupus (n = 3), and mixed connective tissue disorder (n = 1). The mean pain score had fallen from 6.8 (SD 3.2) at T0 to 1.3 (SD 2.4) (P < .001) at T2. The maximal interincisal opening had improved from a mean of 22.1 mm (SD 13.3) at T0 to 34.3 mm (SD 8.5) (P < .001) at T2. One patient got persistent dysesthesia in the V3 distribution. There were no serious late complications. CONCLUSION: Patients suffering from systemic inflammatory arthropathies involving the TMJs can be successfully treated by TJR with alloplastic devices. The long-term reduction of TMJ symptoms and functional improvement in this initial study suggest good predictability for this treatment.

Gingival Swelling as the Initial Manifestation of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis.

We describe a case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA; formerly named Wegener granulomatosis) that presented initially as florid areas of gingival swelling. The patient also had upper respiratory symptoms that included sinus congestion and cough of recent onset. Clinical-pathologic correlation aided the interpretation of non-specific biopsy findings and immediate referral to an appropriate medical specialist. Treatment was rendered at an early stage of disease with a good response to date. Review of the literature indicates that gingival swelling, often with the characteristic appearance of "strawberry gingivitis" may represent the initial sign of disease in 2% of patients with GPA. Biopsy of gingival lesions often shows a non-specific histologic appearance that should be interpreted in the context of the clinical appearance and pertinent medical history. The clinical investigations that lead to definitive diagnosis and treatment are presented to facilitate the management of this uncommon but potentially fatal condition.

Total Joint Replacement After Condylar Destruction Secondary to Long-Standing Dislocation of the Temporomandibular Joint.

BACKGROUND: To describe the treatment of 2 long-standing chronic dislocation of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and 1 chronic recurrent dislocation. METHODS: This report describes the treatment of 3 patients; 2 with a long-standing chronic dislocation of the TMJ and 1 with a chronic recurrent dislocation. Duration of dislocation and anatomical considerations make the treatment challenging and controversial. The patients presented in this report all developed destruction of their condyles. They were successfully treated with total joint replacement with alloplastic devices. RESULTS: All the 3 patients underwent successful surgery and recovery. Mandibular function and pain level were significantly improved. CONCLUSION: Long-standing dislocation of the TMJ is rare. This condition can be successfully treated by resection of the damaged condyles and reconstruction with alloplastic total TMJ replacements.

Temporomandibular joint total replacement using the Zimmer Biomet Microfixation patient-matched prosthesis results in reduced pain and improved function.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate pain and maximum interincisal opening (MIO) in patients treated with the Zimmer Biomet Microfixation patient-matched alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prosthesis. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who had undergone bilateral or unilateral TMJ total joint replacement (TJR). The primary outcome variables were pain and MIO, which were measured at various time points between 12 and greater than 60 months. Secondary outcomes included perceived masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients (62 joints) met the inclusion criteria for the study. The relationship between time and the change in pain scores, although significant immediately after surgery in an unadjusted model, was not statistically significant in an adjusted model. A statistically significant improvement between time and MIO was noted in both adjusted and unadjusted models. The majority of patients (91%) reported subjective improvement in their diet. Similarly, 91% of patients felt that TJR was beneficial and, in retrospect, would repeat their decision to undergo TJR. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with the Zimmer Biomet Microfixation patient-matched TMJ prosthesis experience improvements in pain, MIO, and ability to masticate. Future studies are needed to assess long-term outcomes prospectively.

Treatment of Mandibular Ameloblastoma Involving the Mandibular Condyle: Resection and Concomitant Reconstruction With a Custom Hybrid Total Joint Prosthesis and Iliac Bone Graft.

AIM: To describe the treatment of ameloblastoma involving the mandibular body and condyle in 3 patients. METHODS: This report describes 3 patients with large ameloblastomas (2 were second recurrences) treated by partial mandibular resection. Involvement of the mandibular condyle in these 3 patients made the reconstruction more challenging. Reconstruction included immediate temporomandibular joint replacement by a custom-made alloplastic total joint and mandibular body (Zimmer-Biomet, Jacksonville, FL). These devices were designed using virtual surgical planning software. The 3 patients underwent concomitant bone graft reconstruction using autogenous-free corticocancellous block bone grafts from the iliac crest. This facilitated later dental implant placement and full dental rehabilitation. Direct inferior alveolar nerve repair or nerve graft reconstruction with allograft was also carried out for all 3 patients. Maxillomandibular fixation was not used in all 3 patients. RESULTS: All the 3 patients underwent successful surgery and recovery. Mandibular function was preserved. The concomitant bone graft allowed successful dental implant placement for subsequent planned restorative dentistry. CONCLUSION: Ameloblastoma involving the mandibular condyle can be successfully treated by resection and concomitant total joint replacement with an alloplastic device. This technique shows promise in that there is rapid return to excellent function thanks to rigid fixation of the construct. Mirroring software used in the prosthesis design facilitates excellent cosmetic outcomes.

Reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint after surgical ablation of a multiply recurrent ameloblastoma: a case report.

Reconstruction of large mandibular defects, whether involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or not, has historically been achieved with autogenous grafts, such as free costochondral grafts and vascularized bone grafts. Ensuring intact, functioning microcirculation is critical for graft survival in the face of postoperative radiation therapy secondary to malignant tumour ablation. However, in the case of benign tumours, such as ameloblastomas, postoperative radiation therapy is not required, thus increasing the options for reconstruction. Alloplastic components coupled with nonvascularized bone grafts have been used successfully to restore mandibular form, function and esthetics after extensive mandibular resection. In this article, we describe a case of a multiply recurrent ameloblastoma treated by left hemimandibulectomy and immediate reconstruction with a custom-fabricated alloplastic system in combination with an anterior iliac crest bone graft. The result was a high degree of mandibular function and facial cosmesis, minimal donor-site morbidity, and nearly immediate return to function.

Serum levels of BMP-2, 4, 7 and AHSG in patients with degenerative joint disease requiring total arthroplasty of the hip and temporomandibular joints.

To date, there is no objective or reliable means of assessing the severity of degenerative joint disease (DJD) and need for joint replacement surgery. Hence, it is difficult to know when an individual with DJD has reached a point where total arthroplasty is indicated. The purpose of the present study is to determine whether serum levels of Alpha-2 HS-glycoprotein (AHSG) as well as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP-2, 4, 7) can be used to predict the presence of severe DJD of the hip and/or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (specifically: joints that require replacement). A total of 30 patients scheduled for arthroplasty (diseased) (15 HIP, 15 TMJ) and 120 age-matched controls (healthy/non-diseased) were included. Blood samples were collected from all patients ≥8 weeks after the last arthroplasty. Concentrations of serum analytes were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and these were compared between the Diseased and Healthy groups, utilizing the Mann-Whitney U-test. Patients with disease had significantly higher levels of BMP-2 and BMP-4 and lower levels of AHSG in serum compared to non-diseased humans (p < 0.01). Higher levels of BMP-2, 4 and reduced levels of AHSG appear to characterize patients who have DJD that is severe enough to require total joint replacement. Perhaps measurements of these proteins can be used to make objective decisions regarding the need for total arthroplasty as opposed to the current subjective approaches.