Shimla,
In a groundbreaking achievement, the surgeons at Himachal Pradesh Government Dental College (HPGDC), Shimla, have successfully performed the first-ever bilateral Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement (TMJ TJR) surgery. This landmark procedure was being performed for the first time in state marks a significant advancement in the field of maxillofacial surgery in the region.
This was a life transforming experience for this 22-year-old patient resident of Lucknow who was unable to open his mouth, eat food or speak properly from the past eight years as was suffering by this rare condition called as TMJ ankylosis. This patient already underwent 2 major jaw surgeries but all the attempts were futile. A 10 hour long surgery replacing the fused joint and fixation of the indigenous patient specific joint on both sides simultaneously turned miraculous for the patient and now the patient can open his mouth up to 3 cm. Also, the patient has now started eating and speaking without any difficulty. The surgery was meticulously planned and executed by a team of highly skilled surgeons, led by Dr. Rangila Ram, (Professor) Dr. Monika Parmar (Prof) Dr. Narotam Ghezta ( Assistant Professor),Dr. Vivek Kaushal (Anaesthetist) P.G’s Dr. Saransh Guleria, Dr. Vishakha Sharma O.T.A Mrs. Krithika and sister Mrs. Rimmi CLASS IV Sh. Layak Ram of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at HPGDC Shimla under the guidance of Dr. Yogesh Bhardwaj (Prof & Head)
TMJ TJR surgery involves replacing the temporomandibular joint with a custom-made prosthetic, restoring the patient’s ability to chew, speak, and move their jaw without pain. The procedure is similar to replacement of knee or hip but surgery requires precision patience and expertise since jaw joint is a small and intricate joint located close to important structures like base of skull, ear and face making surgery delicate and its success is a testament to the exceptional capabilities of the HPGDC Shimla surgical team.
The successful completion of this surgery not only represents a significant milestone for HPGDC Shimla but also brings new hope to patients suffering from complex TMJ disorders, said Dr. Rangila ram. This advanced surgical procedure offers improved quality of life for patients who have exhausted all other treatment options
The successful TMJ TJR surgery at HPGDC Shimla is a significant step forward in healthcare innovation, positioning the institution as a leader in maxillofacial surgery in India. This historic achievement underscores the dedication of HPGDC Shimla to advancing medical care and improving patient outcomes.
