Surgical correction of temporomandibular joint ankylosis

The correction of temporomandibular joint ankylosis is frequently followed by re-ankylosis, occlusal disturbance and alteration of functional masticatory movements. A multitude of surgical procedures have been devised in an attempt to overcome the complication of re-ankylosis in particular, and to create a functioning pseudoarthrosis where distance between resected bone surfaces and/or interpositional autogenous, homologous or alloplastic material is relied upon to prevent re-ankylosis and facilitate functional joint activity. Success in preventing re-ankylosis is said also to depend on long-term patient compliance in undertaking frequent and usually painful mandibular movement exercises. Achieving a functioning joint often precludes the maintenance of the occlusion and depends on resection of large amounts of bone and the use of alloplastic implants. A surgical technique is presented whereby a minimal gap arthroplasty in the region of the obliterated temporomandibular joint is completed. This minimizes deviation of the mandible to the operated side with the formation of an anterior open bite. Separation of the resected bone surfaces is accomplished using a composite free auricular skin and cartilage graft in order to prevent re-ankylosis as efficaciously as possible, while allowing for the promotion of immediate postoperative mandibular function, continued growth and the construction of a joint similar in broad terms to the pre-existing joint. A two-stage correction of temporomandibular joint ankylosis and concomitant secondary maxillofacial deformity is recommended. The results in 13 patients (17 joints) with a follow-up range of 1.5 to 5.5 years show that in all but one instance (of fibrous re-ankylosis following postoperative joint infection), satisfactory postoperative mandibular function and mouth opening was achieved.