TMJ Forum - Rheumatoid Arthritis In Tm Joints

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Q: Rheumatoid Arthritis In Tm Joints

asked by: gwenda on July 28th, 2007

New User

I have had ra for 17 years now, and during the last 10 years I have had 17 joints replaced. I have also developed osteoporosis which has caused a lot of problems especially with my neck. I am going to have my tm joints replaced. The procedure of x rays mri's etc, has taken 2 years because of my neck and the worry about anaesthetics, and the change of surgeon, but I think at last we might be moving. I have to have a skin test to see if I have an allergy to the metals and a 3 d cat scan. My husband doesn't want me to have it done and neither does my physio. They think that I have had enough surgery. I can barely open my mouth and I have taught myself to speak like a ventriloquist. I am scared to death because I know what a major procedure this is. Has anybody else had it done because of RA and if so will you please let me know how you got on? Gwenda

Replies(5)

sexyscot76

replied on July 28th, 2007

Experienced User

Hello, I have had both TM joints replaced within the last4 months due to osteoarthritis. Please definately have the metal allergy test, I was not offered this and subsequently had 2 rejections. You sound like you really are in need of this surgery especially if you cannot open your mouth enough to talk well. What type of joints have you been offered. I have 2 Lorenz joints and they are doing really well after such a short time. I do not regret my surgery one little bit. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Samara
(Scotland)

TMJWorld

replied on July 29th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

Wow

keep us updated. let me know if i can help in any way.

gwenda

replied on July 29th, 2007

New User

Thank you for replying Samara, I don't know what implants they are, other than they are made in America from the 3 d cat scan provided at Liverpool. It is a made to measure joint. How long is the surgery and how long is the stay in hospital? I know that the physio is very rigorous but I have my own physio that comes in twice a week. Apparently, the allergy test is part of the hospitals criteria.Any info would be greatly appreciated. Gwenda

sexyscot76

replied on July 30th, 2007

Experienced User

Hello

Hi Gwenda, they are not the same as my joints, i tried the made to measure joints but there was to much titanium and my body said no thanks, so I have basically 2 off the shelf joints more sort of plastic than metal and fingers crossed they are doing ok, but still early days. I am not sure what the standard length of surgery is. Nothing was ever normal in all of my 6 surgeries so i cannot give you a true idea. The right joint (March) took about 5 hours and the left joint (May) was about the same i think. The time spent in hospital is minimum these days, all 6 surgeries i was in for 2 nights, they keep an eye on your drains, and if they are kind of still filling up they wont let you go. Please let me know if there is any more information you need.

Take care Samara x

abba

replied on July 30th, 2007

New User

Gwenda,

It sounds from what you have said, that you are having the Concept Joint put in. The Lorenz and the Christianson both tend to be off the shelf.
Take it easy and good luck with your surgery.
Lorraine

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