Childhood TMJ Ankylosis: A Surgical Challenge

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a rare and a debilitating condition. The major etiological factor is trauma in young age. This is due to greater potential of growth when compared with adults. The management of TMJ ankylosis is challenging due to the high incidence of recurrence and to the absence of a published consensus. We presented a long-term follow-up for a rare case of recurrent TMJ ankylosis post childhood trauma. Patient underwent multiple surgeries with autologous reconstruction, interposition arthroplasty, and coronoidectomy. Finally and after the development of skull base ankylosis, patient was treated with alloplastic reconstruction at adulthood. She was then followed up for 10 years post-op with excellent mouth opening. Thus, the treatment of recurrent TMJ ankylosis in children is still controversial with a debate about the applicability of TMJ prosthesis to prevent multiple procedures.