[Temporomandibular arthoplasty for ankylosis. Apropos of 4 cases]

Four patients with temporomandibular ankylosis were treated according to the same therapeutic concepts, and good results were obtained. This was due to the surgical technique employed which respects meniscal elements and conserves or reconstructs the ascending ramus length, and to postoperative mobilization in mandibular propulsion and lateropulsion (by means of elastic tractions or palatine plate) over a period of several months.