Temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a review of 44 cases

Abstract

Introduction: Mandibular hypomobility may arise due to a wide variety of intraarticular as well as extraarticular disorders in the temporomandibular joint region. Temporomandibular joint ankylosis causes a variable restriction in jaw mobility. This study presents a broad overview of the management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, GGSM Subharti Dental College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Materials and methods: Between May 2002 and September 2005, a total of 44 patients underwent surgical release of temporomandibular joint ankylosis. This study is a retrospective analysis of the patient population characteristics and the surgical procedures employed.

Results and discussion: The patients have completed a follow-up of 24 to 64 months (median, 38.5 months). Of the 44 patients, 12 had bilateral involvement. Trauma in childhood was, expectedly, the most frequent etiologic factor. Gap arthroplasty was the most frequently employed technique, followed by the use of autologous tissue interposition. The temporalis muscle-fascia and the temporalis fascia alone, as well as the auricular cartilage, were employed most frequently. Complete alloplastic condylar replacement was performed in one patient, who, unfortunately, returned with pain, clicking, and deviation of the jaw, necessitating removal within 1 month. Total joint replacement was abandoned after this case. We outline our protocol for the management of this disabling condition.