Fracture of costochondral graft in temporomandibular joint reconstructive surgery: an unexpected complication

The case of a 35-year-old woman with a history of several temporomandibular joint (TMJ) operations, including condylectomy, is reported. She presented with myofacial pain and partial fibrous ankylosis of her right TMJ. The ankylosis was released and an autogenous costochondral graft was used to restore the vertical dimension of the ramus. About 3 months after surgery, a fracture of the graft occurred during physical therapy. The cause of this complication is discussed with reference to the literature.