Temporomandibular joint ankylosis: review of thirty-two cases

I have reviewed aetiology, sex, age at time of treatment, clinical features, radiographic findings, anaesthetic techniques, surgical treatment, complications, and results in 32 patients with ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint. Trauma and infection were the commonest causes of ankylosis: 50% and 41%, (n = 13), respectively. The 21-30 year age group had the most trauma cases. Twenty (63%) of the patients presented with bilateral ankylosis. Failing to do jaw-opening exercises was the main cause of relapse.