[Temporomandibular ankylosis. A treatment method using the interposition of a Dacron device]

Temporomandibular ankylosis with its multiple anatomo-clinical forms is a relatively rare disease. Its major morphopathological, therapeutical and psychological implications rank it among severe illnesses. Its treatment is exclusively surgical. The major therapeutical indication in ankylosis of type I and II Topazian is the neoarticular modelling osteotomy with interposition.

As a material for interposition, over the last 7 years, we have used in 15 patients with 18 ankylosis, concave rectangular Dacron fragments adequately shaped after being taken from a vascular prothesis.

The qualities of this material are confirmed by the obtained results: quick resuming of the normal mobility of the mandible, lack of postoperative complications and recurrences. The material is cheap and easy to be obtained. The technique to be used is simple.

The Dacron texture is soft, elastic in all respects, thick enough, resistant, with long lasting elasticity and integrity, physically and chemically sTable, well tolerated by the body and without foreign body rejection. It is easy to be cut, shaped, modelled and adapted to the bone stump. It is sterilized by autoclaving. It is also well integrated into the host tissue being penetrated by the connective tissue which fastens it to the surface of the neocondyle preventing a relapse. It plays the role of a joint cartilage.