This manuscript presents an exploratory evaluation of the challenges and opportunities in scientific research among craniomaxillofacial surgeons in Latin America. It focuses on initiatives introduced by the AO Foundation’s Research and Development (R&D) Committee to assess the current state of research involvement among AO Foundation members in the region and identify barriers to research. A survey conducted in 2023 among Latin American members of the AO Foundation gathered data on their interest in research, obstacles faced, and awareness of available opportunities, such as grants, fellowships, and mentorship programs. The outcomes revealed a strong interest in research, with 96.5% of respondents expressing a desire to engage. However, key barriers included limited time (46.5%), difficulties in project structuring and scientific writing (32.6%), and challenges in publishing (30.2%). Notably, 54.7% of respondents were unaware of the AO PEER program, and 65.6% were unfamiliar with the foundation’s research grant opportunities. The AO Foundation aims to enhance scientific development in Latin America by promoting multicenter research studies, training opportunities, and developing research group leaders. These strategies seek to support and encourage surgeons in advancing their scientific activities.

Background/Objectives: This study aims to uncover the variables related to the success of the intervention. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent joint replacement surgery utilizing a customized alloplastic system between 2018 and 2023, comprising subjects with complete records for both the planning and follow-up phases. The Student’s t-test was applied with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results: Forty-eight subjects were admitted for initial analysis, and 31 subjects were evaluated with a minimum follow-up of 1 year and a maximum of 7 years, with a mean age of 36.37 ± 15.53. The TMJ diagnosis was mainly with degenerative TMJ disease, followed by ankylosis and craniofacial syndromes, and an average of 2.1 ± 1.2 previous surgeries were noted. Degenerative joint disease correlated with increased pain (p < 0.0001) and a higher prevalence of prior joint surgery (p < 0.0001). Thirty-one subjects were followed up with 47 prostheses installed; 74.4% underwent complementary surgery with other facial osteotomies. Significant improvements (p < 0.0001) were observed when comparing pain levels pre- and postoperatively, with a decrease from 5.5 (±2.3) to 2.2 (±0.4). Concerning the interincisal opening, there was a significant increase (p < 0001) from 25.85 (±10.2) mm to 35.93 (±4.2) mm in mouth opening. TMJ replacement treatment is efficient and effective, demonstrating stability in follow-up assessments for up to 7 years. Conclusions: The indications for replacement are diverse and may benefit patients who have not yet progressed to end-stage TMJ disease.

The TMJ prosthesis is a valuable and effective tool in different clinical conditions. This study aims to uncover the variables related to the success of the intervention. A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent joint replacement surgery utilizing a customized alloplastic system between 2018 and 2023, comprising subjects with complete records for both the planning and follow-up phases. The Student's t-test was applied with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Forty-eight subjects were admitted for initial analysis, and 31 subjects were evaluated with a minimum follow-up of 1 year and a maximum of 7 years with a mean age of 36.37  15.53. The TMJ diagnosis was mainly with degenerative TMJ disease followed by ankylosis and craniofacial syndromes, and an average of 2.1  1.2 previous surgeries were noted. Degenerative joint disease correlated with increased pain (p=0.0001) and a higher prevalence of prior joint surgery (p=0.0001). Thirty-one subjects were followed up with 47 prostheses installed; 74.4% underwent complementary surgery with other facial osteotomies. Significant improvements (p<0.0001) were observed when comparing pain levels pre- and postoperatively, with a decrease from 5.5 ( 2.3) to 2.2 ( 0.4). Concerning the interincisal opening, there was a significant increase (p<0001) from 25.85 ( 10.2) mm to 35.93 (± 4.2) mm in mouth opening. TMJ replacement treatment is efficient and effective, demonstrating stability in follow-up assessments for up to 7 years. The indications for replacement are diverse and may benefit patients who have not yet progressed to end-stage TMJ disease.