• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.354-359
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• 2023

The temporomandibular joint is a unique structure composed of the joint capsule, articular disc, mandibular condyles, glenoid fossa of the temporal bone, surrounding ligaments, and associated muscles. The condyle is one of the major components of a functional temporomandibular joint. Reconstruction of large mandibular defects involving the condyle is a surgical challenge for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. To restore large mandibular defects, there are different options for free flap method such as fibula, scapula, and iliac crest. Currently, the vascularized fibula free flap is the gold standard for reconstruction of complex mandibular defects involving the condyle. In the present report, neocondyle regeneration after mandible reconstruction including the condyle head with fibula free flap was evaluated. In this report, two patients were evaluated periodically, and remodeling of the distal end of the free fibula was observed in both cases after condylectomy or mandibulectomy. With preservation of the articular disc, trapezoidal shaping of the neocondyle, and elastic guidance of occlusion, neocondyle bone regeneration occured without ankylosis. Preservation of the articular disc and maintenance of proper occlusion are critical factors in regeneration of the neocondyle after mandible reconstruction.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.262-269
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• 2012

TMJ reconstruction is one of the most challenging surgical treatment, and many methods using autogenous and alloplastic materials have been reported for making neocondyle. Although alloplastic materials which include aclylic, synthetic and total joint system are recently widely used, many surgeons agree that autogenous TMJ reconstruction is gold standard until now. In this article, classification of the TMJ defects and the various TMJ reconstruction methods using autogenous source were introduced with review of literature.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.409-416
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• 2005

Purpose of study: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) occupies a key functional role in mastication and contributes to normal deglutition, speech as well as cosmesis. When a large amount of mandible including the condyle head is resected, it is very difficult to reconstruct it as a functional unit. In this retrospective study, we present the functional, radiographic and cosmetic results of reconstructed temporomandibular joint using free fibular flap. Patients and Methods: Total 12 patients (M:F = 6:6) who underwent condylar reconstruction with the fibular flap were interviewed and examined by radiographs and Bio-PAK$^{(R)}$. Mean follow up periods was $47.7{\pm}20.0$ months and the average age was $38.7{\pm}15.3$ years. Remodeling of condyle and function of TMJ were evaluated and facial contour was judged subjectively. Results: All flaps were viable and no immediate postoperative complication had happened. One patient showed decreased mouth opening, so interpositional gap arthroplasty was performed. The resorption rates of reconstructed fibular were minimal and the condyle heads were changed into domeshaped neocondyle after 2 years. All patients had normal diet and no speech difficulty was reported. Nine patients were satisfied with their facial contour but three patients complained about the depression of cheek. Conclusion: The reconstruction of TMJ with free fibular flap was reliable methods and very effective means of restoring mandibular function. The functional and morphologic results were excellent and showed little complications.