At 34 years old, Mr. Ye suffered a severe car accident five years ago, resulting in bilateral comminuted fractures of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Not only did he experience facial deformity, but he also lost the ability to open his mouth and eat properly, significantly lowering his quality of life. Thanks to the assistance of the craniofacial plastic surgery team at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, he became the first patient in Taiwan to undergo a "Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement Surgery." After the procedure, he successfully regained facial symmetry and chewing function, reclaiming the joy of life.
A Life-Changing Surgery
In 2017, the car accident left Mr. Ye with multiple comminuted fractures in his pelvis, limbs, and TMJ. Due to delayed treatment for his TMJ injuries, he was unable to open his mouth properly for two years, even experiencing difficulty speaking, which severely impacted his social life and self-confidence. After the surgery, his facial symmetry was restored, and his mouth-opening range reached 4.5-5 cm, allowing him to chew solid food again, completely transforming his life.
10% of Taiwanese People Face Temporomandibular Joint Issues! (Photo / Provided by Heho Health)
Challenges and Breakthroughs in TMJ Disorders
Dr. Hsu Tsung-Cheng, director of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, stated that the success of this surgery marks a significant milestone in TMJ replacement treatment in Taiwan, bringing hope to more patients. According to the National Health Insurance Administration, approximately 20-25% of Taiwan’s population suffers from TMJ disorder, with symptoms such as pain and restricted movement. In the past, treatments primarily relied on conservative methods such as physical therapy and medication, but severe cases often required surgery. Traditional autologous rib grafting carried the risk of bone resorption, leading to unpredictable outcomes.
Breakthrough in Total TMJ Replacement Surgery
Dr. Liao Han-Tsung, attending physician at the Department of Plastic Surgery, explained that TMJ replacement surgery is highly complex, as the incision is close to the facial nerve, increasing the risk of facial paralysis if performed improperly. The success of this surgery highlights Taiwan’s world-class medical expertise. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has approved the relevant implants, and an estimated 50-70 patients per year will benefit from this new treatment option.
This advanced technology fills a critical gap in Taiwan’s medical field and is suitable for patients suffering from trauma, degenerative diseases, fibrosis, or bony ankylosis, offering new hope for those with TMJ disorders and helping them reclaim the joy of eating.
Dr. Liao Han-Tsung, Attending Physician of the Department of Plastic Surgery, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. (Photo / Provided by Heho Health).
This article is authorized by Heho Health.
