New perspectives in the management of cranio-mandibular ankylosis

Cranio-mandibular ankylosis is characterized by the formation of a bony mass, which replaces the normal articulation. Although the bony mass represents the pathology responsible for the ankylosis, it is not a neoplastic process capable of continued growth. For this reason excision of this mass is not necessary for the release of ankylosis. An osteotomy performed inferior to the base of the ankylotic mass converts this into a situation akin to that of a subcondylar fracture. The technical details of this conceptually new approach to the management of TMJ ankylosis is described and the advantage of this technique over the conventional ones, particularly in cases of recurrent ankylosis, is discussed.