Bird face deformity secondary to bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis

This paper describes our experience in the treatment of 10 patients with bilateral longstanding temporomandibular joint ankylosis occurring during the active growth period and causing severe bird face deformity. The clinical manifestations were: (1) upper airway obstruction in the form of either severe night snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea; (2) inability to open the mouth and (3) severely convex facial profile. Surgery consists of simultaneous release of the ankylosed joints, advancement of the mandible and insertion of posterior mandibular costochondral graft struts. A Le Fort I osteotomy was performed concomitantly in marked deformities to help in the restoration of the posterior facial height. Dramatic improvement in the airway, facial profile and jaw function were obtained by this programme.