Introduction to the Frontiers of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine special series entitled “Indications for Alloplastic TMJ Replacement in Maxillofacial Surgery—an evidence-based review of the literature”

The goal of this special series of articles is to provide readers from experts in the field literature and clinical evidence-based indications for stock and/or custom alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement. Evidence-based literature is used to support evidence-based practice. It involves an ability to access, summarize, and apply information from the literature to day-to-day clinical problems. Adverse outcomes, while not providing positive evidence, their inclusion is considered important and of interest.

The aim of this evidence-based series is to reduce bias and provide a comprehensive body of knowledge related to the indications for TMJ replacement in cases of ankylosis, failed autogenous and alloplastic reconstructions, trauma, benign and malignant neoplasia, developmental and craniofacial anomalies, skeletally immature pathology, sleep apnea and condylar resorption. Therefore, as its name suggests, an evidence-based review seeks to comprehensively cover the field in order to find the best formula for intervention.

To accomplish this goal, invited authors were chosen for their interest, expertise, and research relative to their assigned topic. Each expert was asked to provide an evidence-based review of a specific topic culminating in their educated prognostication as to what should be pursued to assure increased TMJ disorder diagnostic and management capabilities for patients in the future. I feel the content of this special series will make a significant addition to the body of knowledge relative to TMJ disorders while serving as a catalyst to encourage further research in this field.

The main objectives for this special series:

• Based on the present evidence-based literature and clinical experience, what are the indications and possible contraindications for the use of alloplastic TMJ replacement prostheses in the management of the various forms of end-stage TMJ pathology?
• Based on the present evidence-based literature and research, what may be some improvements and enhancements to alloplastic TMJ replacement future techniques and device components?
• Based on the papers in this special series, a catalyst may be developed to encourage further investigative and research activities resulting in improved outcomes for patients requiring end-stage TMJ replacement.

Acknowledgments

As the guest editor, I want to thank the contributing authors for their time, expertise and excellent contributions to this special series.

Funding: None.

Footnote

Provenance and Peer Review: This article was commissioned by the editorial office, Frontiers of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, for the series “Indications for Alloplastic TMJ Replacement in Maxillofacial Surgery—an evidence-based review of the literature”. The article did not undergo external peer review.

Conflicts of Interest: The author has completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://fomm.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/fomm-22-2/coif). The series “Indications for Alloplastic TMJ Replacement in Maxillofacial Surgery—an evidence-based review of the literature” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. LGM served as the unpaid Guest Editor and serves as an unpaid editorial board member of Frontiers of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine from July 2021 to June 2023. LGM reports that he is a compensated Clinical Consultant for Stryker/TMJ Concepts, but this has no effect on this manuscript. The author has no other conflicts of interest to declare.

Ethical Statement: The author is accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

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