Disc replacement with temporalis myofascial flap pedicled on the middle temporal artery and vein.

PURPOSE: To introduce a surgical treatment of advanced TMJ internal derangement—disc replacement with temporalis myofascial flap pedicled on middle temporal artery and vein. METHODS: 48 patients with TMJ ID who underwent the disc replacement with TMF pedicled on the middle temporal artery and vein from July 2005 to December 2008 were involved in the study. TMF supplied by the branch of superficial temporal artery and vein-middle temporal artery and vein, was transferred into the joint space after excision of the disc. RESULTS: All operations completed successfully. Postoperative MRI showed that the joint space filled with mixed-signal material, the condyle and glenoid fossa were completely separated. CONCLUSION: TMF pedicled on the middle temporal artery and vein was a good disc substitute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]