Ankylosis of the mandible: analysis of 76 cases

A survey of 76 cases of ankylosis of the mandible in Nigerians is presented. Etiology, clinical features, radiographic findings, anesthetic techniques, surgical treatment, complications, and results are discussed. The operative technique used in each case depended on the site, extent, and type of ankylosis. Five-year follow-up data are reported. Of the 47 patients who were followed, the postoperative interincisal opening was retained in 25 (53.2%), varying degrees of reduction of mouth opening were observed in 17 (36.2%), and ankylosis recurred in five (10.6%). Lack of jaw opening exercise was believed to be responsible for relapse.