The Royal Free London Hospital has been at the forefront of innovation in the management of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, pioneering advanced surgical techniques to improve patient outcomes.
Advancing TMJ Care with Arthroscopic Surgery and Regenerative Medicine
Over the past decade, the hospital has established itself as a centre for excellence in minimally invasive TMJ surgery and regenerative medicine, led by a dedicated team of specialists.
Traditionally, open surgery was the standard approach for treating TMJ disorders, but it carried significant risks, including prolonged recovery times and post-surgical complications. Under the leadership of Mr. Deepak Komath, a consultant maxillofacial surgeon specializing in TMJ disorders, the Royal Free London Hospital became the first NHS institution to introduce Level 2 and Level 3 arthroscopic TMJ surgeries—offering a minimally invasive alternative with:
- Faster recovery times
- Reduced post-operative pain
- Improved joint function, even in advanced cases
Additionally, Royal Free London has pioneered the use of stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine as a groundbreaking approach to TMJ disease. With extensive training in advanced keyhole surgical techniques in the USA, Mr. Komath and his team have successfully integrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) stem cells into surgical protocols, offering patients a regenerative alternative to traditional joint replacement surgery.
Clinical Outcomes and Research
“Arthroscopy Combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders”, authored by Mr. Deepak Komath, demonstrated:
- Significant pain reduction and improved function post-surgery
- Enhanced psychosocial well-being in patients following minimally invasive interventions
- A shift towards joint preservation strategies, reducing the need for more invasive procedures
These findings support the hospital’s commitment to optimizing patient care through evidence-based innovation.
Patient-Centred Impact
The real impact of these advancements is reflected in patient experiences:
“After years of pain and restricted movement, the care I received at Royal Free London was life-changing. My surgery was a complete success.”
– Patient Review, iwantgreatcare.org
“I was suffering from severe TMJ pain, and after undergoing keyhole surgery with regenerative treatment, I can now eat and talk pain-free. I couldn’t be more grateful.”
– Patient Review, iwantgreatcare.org
Looking to the Future: Robotics & Advanced Regenerative Therapies
As TMJ surgery evolves, Royal Free London Hospital, with the expertise of Mr. Deepak Komath and his team, continues to push boundaries in surgical innovation. The future holds exciting possibilities, including:
- Robotic-assisted procedures for even greater precision
- Advancing biologics and regenerative therapies to preserve joint function
- Refining minimally invasive techniques to further reduce risks and recovery times.
By harnessing the latest in surgical innovation and regenerative medicine, Royal Free London Hospital is shaping the future of TMJ disorder management, offering patients safer, more effective treatment options with long-lasting benefits.
To learn more about Mr Komath’s clinical work, please click here Mr Komath’s profile.
