Longitudinal surveillance of serum titanium ion levels in patients with indigenous 3D printed total temporomandibular joint replacement

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this longitudinal study was to surveil the serum titanium ion levels at various time intervals in patients with indigenous 3D-printed total temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJ TJR). Study design: The study was conducted on 11 patients (male: 8; female: 3) who had undergone unilateral or bilateral TMJ TJR. Blood samples were drawn preoperatively (T0), 3 months (T1), 6 months (T2), and 1 year (T3) postoperatively. Data were analyzed and a p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean serum titanium ion levels at T0, T1, T2, and T3 was 9.34 ± 8.70 microgram/L (mcg/L), 35.97 ± 20.27 mcg/L, 31.68 ± 17.03 mcg/L, and 47.91 ± 15.47 mcg/L respectively. The mean serum titanium ion levels increased significantly at T1 (p= 0.009), T2 (p= 0.032), and T3 (p=0.00) interval. There was no significant difference between unilateral and bilateral groups. Conclusion: Serum titanium ion continued to show increased levels till the last follow-up of 1 year. These initial serum titanium ion levels increase is due to the initial wear phase of the prosthesis which manifests over 1 year. Further studies with large sample sizes and long-term follow-ups are required to see the deleterious effect if any on the TMJ TJR.