Overview
Autogenous grafts refer the process of removing an anatomical part of a person’s body for use to replace another structure within the body. Costalchondral grafting is when a portion of the patient’s rib is removed then inserted into the reconstructed TMJ.
Indications
Failure of arthrocentesis, arthrotomy, or costalchondral graft procedures.
Precautions
Since the TMJ anatomy is comprised of material that varies slightly from rib anatomy, the body will sometimes identify the graft as a foreign body and will therefore mount a defense against the graft, which can lead to complications of the newly reconstructed joint.