Total prosthetic replacement of the temporomandibular joint

1.1 Current evidence on the efficacy and safety of total prosthetic replacement of the temporomandibular joint is adequate to support the use of this procedure provided that normal arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit.

1.2 Patient selection should be carried out in specialist units by a team with regular practice and specific expertise in the conservative and surgical management of temporomandibular joint problems, and should include consideration of all relevant medical and surgical options. The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) has produced guidelines on patient selection.

1.3 The procedure should be carried out only by clinicians with specific training and experience in total prosthetic replacement of the temporomandibular joint.

1.4 Clinicians should submit details on all patients treated by total prosthetic replacement of the temporomandibular joint to the British Association of TMJ Surgeons UK register. Further information about the long‑term safety and efficacy of the various prostheses used would be useful.