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Updated: Oct 2, 2026
Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis: 11 years' clinical experience
Keqian Zhi1, Wenhao Ren, Hong Zhou
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Oncologic Head and Neck Surgery, Stomatologic Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, China. zhikeqian@sina.com
Objective:
Many surgical techniques to manage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis have been described in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to report one institution's experience using various management techniques and to evaluate the results of these surgical interventions.
Study Design:
The records from our hospital of 42 patients treated for TMJ ankylosis between 1996 and 2007 were reviewed. Pre- and postoperative assessment included age, gender, etiology, ankylosis type/classification, existing facial asymmetry, maximal pre- and postoperative mouth opening, arthroplasty method (gap or interpositional arthroplasty), complications, and recurrence of ankylosis.
Results:
The mean maximal incisal opening in the preoperative period was 7.51 +/- 6.48 mm and in the post operative period was 27.74 +/- 7.86 mm. All patients experienced significant reduction of pain during function and resumed eating a normal diet. There was no facial nerve paralysis. There was recurrence in 3 cases.
Conclusion:
Joint reconstruction with interpositional arthroplasty for the treatment of ankylosis proved to be effective regarding the prevention of recurrence and restoration of joint function and patient quality of life. Early postoperative exercises, appropriate physiotherapy, and close follow-up play an important role in the prevention of recurrence.
