Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Replacement Affects Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of Clinical Trials

Abstract

This systematic review aims to determine the impact of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement on health-related quality of life. The review was reported following the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines. An electronic search using the Bielefeld Academic Search Engine was performed to identify primary studies reported in English and published up until November 2023. Ten reports fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were assessed according to the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP): Qualitative Studies Checklist. The overall research value of the studies ranged from high (dominant) to moderate. The synthesis of the results concerning TMJ replacement in severe degenerative disease showed an improvement in (1) quality of life, (2) pain intensity, (3) mastication efficiency, and (4) mandibular mobility. One study presented favorable outcomes for patients suffering from ankylosis.

Keywords

• health-related quality of life
• temporomandibular joint
• temporomandibular joint disorders
• temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome
• mandibular prosthesis
• maxillofacial prosthesis