Temporalis Muscle Flap Versus Abdominal Dermis- Fat Graft as Replacements after TMJ Discectomy: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Following TMJ discectomy, any potential disc replacement material must satisfy several criteria. Long-term safety of the material must be assured to avoid the disasters of the 1980s caused by silastics. Intrinsic properties such as adequate bulk, easy handling and the ability to be sculptured intraoperatively to fit the joint cavity are desirable. A material that is abundantly available and easy to procure with minimal morbidity will encourage universal adoption of the technique. Surviving the functional demands of the intra-joint environment and facilitating normal joint functions with reduced joint noises necessitates a material that is flexible enough to be able to adapt and change in response to the dynamic loads of the joint. The ideal material must also prevent bone formation and act as an effective barrier to joint ankylosis whilst protecting the underlying condyle from severe remodeling in the absence of a normal articula