The anatomically and functionally complex nature of the temporomandibularjoint (TMJ) makes its reconstruction one of the most challenging tasks faced by surgeons who operate in the head and neck. TMJ prosthesis is one of the important techniques in the reconstruction of TMJ. The main indications for TMJ prosthesis include ankylosis, fractures of condylar that can't be fixed, trauma or tumor, end-stage TMJ disturbance, and TMJ dysplasia caused by Hallermann-Streiff syndrome. TMJ replacement aims to enhance the function of TMJ, alleviate pain, and prevent serious complications. TMJ prosthesis is advantageous in oral and maxillofacial surgery because it can imitate normal anatomic morphology and adhere to the host. Moreover, the use of other materials is no longer necessary and functional training can be started postoperatively at once, among others. Prosthetic materials have leading and promoting functions in the development of joint prosthesis. Good design, fit shape, and fixation are the necessary conditions for prosthesis to serve its function. Investigation of joint biomechanics is also necessary. With the rapid developments in material science, joint biomechanics, and other related subjects, TMJ prosthesis has been significantly improved in terms of its materials, design, fit shape, and fixation techniques. In addition, the development of TMJ prosthesis would expand its applications. This review intends to provide an overview about the progress and clinical application of TMJ prosthesis.
颞下颌关节结构和功能的复杂性使得其重建成为外科医生所面临的最大挑战之一。人工颞下颌关节是颞下颌关节重建的重要方式之一，主要适用于颞下颌关节强直、无法复位固定的髁突粉碎性骨折、颞下颌关节肿瘤、晚期关节内紊乱及一些先天性颅面综合征等所致的颞下颌关节发育不良等。人工颞下颌关节旨在改善颞下颌关节的功能、减少疼痛并防止严重的并发症。在口腔颌面外科，人工颞下颌关节具有能模仿正常的解剖形态、与宿主贴合、不需另行取材、术后能立即进行功能训练等优点。假体材料在人工颞下颌关节的发展中起着至关重要的作用，优良的设计、牢靠的固定都是人工颞下颌关节能够行使其功能必不可少的条件，当然关节生物力学的研究也是必不可少的。随着材料学、关节生物力学及制作工艺等相关学科的飞速发展，人工颞下颌关节在关节假体的植入材料、假体的设计等方面取得了不少进展。随着人工颞下颌关节的发展，其应用也越来越广泛。本文对人工颞下颌关节的发展及其临床应用作一综述。