1. Matrix-associated chondrocyte transplantation for reconstruction of articulating surfaces in the temporomandibular joint: a pilot study covering medium- and long-term outcomes of 6 patients
- Author
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Gerhard, Undt, Michael, Jahl, Sebastian, Pohl, Stefan, Marlovits, Doris, Moser, Hyang-Hee, Yoon, Jimmy, Frank, Susanna, Lang, Christian, Czerny, Guenter, Klima, Eileen, Gentleman, and Rolf, Ewers
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Tissue Engineering ,Membranes, Artificial ,Pilot Projects ,Middle Aged ,Plastic Surgery Procedures ,Temporomandibular Joint Disorders ,Transplantation, Autologous ,Article ,stomatognathic diseases ,Chondrocytes ,Treatment Outcome ,stomatognathic system ,Humans ,Regeneration ,Female ,Aged - Abstract
Objective Matrix-associated chondrocyte transplantation is routinely used in joints of the extremities but not in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Study Design We report the first case series in 7 patients of a tissue engineering approach to regenerate severely degraded articulating surfaces in the TMJ by simultaneously completely resurfacing both the mandibular condyle and the articular eminence/glenoid fossa with a commercially available collagen sponge seeded with autologous cells stabilized within a fibrin matrix. To facilitate healing, we temporarily employed a silicone membrane to protect the engineered tissues. The indications for surgery were posttraumatic fibro-osseous ankylosis, ankylosing osteoarthritis, or late-stage osteoarthritis. Results Six of the patients were recalled for follow-up after 3 years 6 months to 12 years 1 month. The maximum incisal opening was 18.2 ± 9.2 mm (range, 9-33 mm) before and 31.2 ± 13.6 mm (range, 12-47 mm) at the latest follow-up. Histologic specimens taken at 4 months showed beginning differentiation of fibrocytes into chondrocytes, whereas at 3 and 11 years, mature hyaline cartilage—not typical for the TMJ—was present. Conclusions We conclude that the reconstruction of TMJ surfaces by matrix-associated chondrocyte transplantation may become a routine method for cartilage regeneration in the TMJ in the future.
- Published
- 2017