[Surgical treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis]

Surgical treatment of temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis may be a particularly difficult procedure due to unfavourable anatomic configurations and the proximity of vital structures. Postoperatively, it is followed by an often long and painful period of physiotherapy. The results of treatment of eight patients with TMJ ankylosis are reported. Different methods were used according to age of the patient and the extent of the ankylotic changes. The importance of early treatment is emphasized. This results in less extensive surgery and reduces secondary growth anomalies of the jaws.