The anatomy, function, and pathology of the temporomandibular joint is clearly the most complex of all the articulations in the human body. The history of alloplastic temporomandibular joint reconstruction has been characterized by multiple failures based on inappropriate design, lack of attention to biomechanical principles, and inattention to the exceptional wisdom of the orthopedic experience. The Total Mandibular Joint Replacement System is a temporomandibular joint prosthesis.

The Total Mandibular Joint Replacement System is a temporomandibular joint prosthesis. Biomet incorporates over forty years of Orthopedic total joint experience into the design and materials utilized in the TMJ Replacement System. The TMJ replacement system was used clinically under an investigational device exemption from 1995-2005. The Biomet Microfixation total mandibular joint replacement system received FDA approval for commercial use in September of 2005.

The current indications for alloplastic joint reconstruction include:

• Arthritic conditions: osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosis, including but not limited to, recurrent ankylosis with excessive heterotopic bone formation
• Revision procedures where other treatments have failed (e.g. alloplastic reconstruction, autogenous grafts)
• Avascular necrosis
• Multiply operated joints
• Fracture
• Functional deformity
• Benign neoplasms
• Malignancy (e.g. post-tumor excision)
• Degenerated or resorbed joints with severe anatomic discrepancies
• Developmental abnormality