Temporo mandibular joint ankylosis.

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, characterized by joint surface fusion, presents a significant clinical challenge due to high recurrence rates.
• Effective treatment strategies for TMJ ankylosis are crucial for restoring function and preventing long-term complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on six cases of TMJ ankylosis treated with joint reconstruction.
• To evaluate the surgical outcomes, including maximum mouth opening (MMO) and recurrence rates.
• To review existing literature on TMJ ankylosis treatment.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of patients treated between March 2001 and October 2005.
• Utilized alloplastic or autogenous grafts for joint reconstruction.
• Pre- and post-operative assessments included history, physical examination, MMO measurements, and evaluation of facial nerve paralysis and recurrence.

Main Results:

• Mean pre-operative MMO was 9.6 mm, significantly increasing to 31.33 mm post-operatively.
• No instances of facial nerve paralysis were observed.
• Only one case of recurrence was reported among the six patients.

Conclusions:

• Joint reconstruction with alloplastic or autogenous grafts is an efficient treatment for TMJ ankylosis.
• This method demonstrates significant improvements in post-operative MMO and functional outcomes.
• The approach effectively addresses recurrence and restores joint function.