Bidirectional temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a rare, disabling condition of mastication

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is characterized by a bony mass that generally creates difficulty in 1 direction, opening the mouth. In this paper, the patient who presented was experiencing difficulty in 2 directions, both in opening and closing the mouth. A rare disabling condition of mastication and bidirectional ankylosis and its surgical treatment have been presented. Bidirectional temporomandibular joint ankylosis is a rare condition that disables the patient both to open and close the mouth. The left side of type 2 ankylosis (Sawhney, Plast Reconstr Surg 1986;77:29-38) was treated conservatively. Disc was preserved and used as interpositional material. In treatment of the right side, which was type 4 ankylosis (Sawhney, Plast Reconstr Surg 1986;77:29-38), a gap was created, and then, a titanium fossa implant was placed to prevent ankylosis.