After nearly 17 years of living with pain, limited movement, and emotional distress, 44-year-old Alice Wangui Muthoni from Nairobi, Kenya, has finally found relief—and her smile—thanks to a rare and complex jaw joint replacement surgery performed at ShardaCare-Healthcity in Greater Noida.

For Alice, what began as complications from a mandibular tumor gradually turned into a life-altering condition. Over the years, her jaw function deteriorated significantly. Simple daily activities like eating, speaking, or even smiling became a struggle. Her mouth opening was severely restricted, facial symmetry was affected, and persistent pain became a constant companion. “I often found myself thinking about how I looked and felt in my early twenties,” Alice shared.

“Losing that natural jawline and the ability to express myself freely was incredibly difficult.” Despite undergoing three surgeries in her home country, her condition not only remained unresolved but worsened, leading to nerve damage in her lower lip. Determined to reclaim her quality of life, Alice decided to seek advanced medical care in India.

At Sardarshahar, she came under the care of Dr. Rohit Punga, Director & Unit Head – Cranio Maxillofacial Surgery, who recommended a highly specialised procedure—Total Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Replacement using a patient-specific implant. This is no ordinary surgery. TMJ replacement is among the rarest joint replacement procedures in the world, performed only at a handful of advanced centres.

What made Alice’s case even more challenging was her history of multiple surgeries and long-standing complications.

Using detailed CT scans and 3D planning, doctors designed a customised implant tailored precisely to Alice’s anatomy. During the surgery, the damaged joint on the right side was carefully removed and replaced with an artificial joint secured using titanium screws.

The result? A dramatic transformation. Not only was the structural function of her jaw restored, but the surgery also brought immediate relief from years of pain and stiffness. Alice can now chew, speak, and carry out daily activities with ease—something she hadn’t experienced in nearly two decades.

Dr. Rohit Punga explained, “Each TMJ replacement case requires meticulous planning and precision, especially in patients with prior surgical history. Our goal was to restore both function and facial symmetry, and we are pleased with the patient’s recovery.”

Globally, only a few thousand TMJ replacement surgeries are performed each year, underscoring the complexity and rarity of the procedure. It demands cutting-edge imaging, customised implants, and a highly skilled multidisciplinary team. For Alice, however, the impact goes far beyond medical success.

“Seeing my jawline restored and my face becoming symmetrical again is an emotional moment for me,” she said.

“I feel like I’ve regained a part of myself. I am deeply grateful to the doctors and the entire team for giving me my confidence back.” Dr. Kousar Shah, CEO of ShardaCare–Healthcity, highlighted the broader significance of the case.

“This surgery reflects our commitment to delivering world-class healthcare with advanced technology and expertise. We are proud to serve not only patients from across India but also those travelling internationally for specialised treatment.”

Today, Alice is recovering well, already experiencing significant improvements in comfort and mobility.

Her journey—from years of struggle to renewed hope—stands as a powerful reminder of how advanced medical care can transform lives. And for Alice, it’s simple: after 17 long years, she can finally smile again.