Osteochondroma of the glenoid fossa--report of two cases with sudden onset of symptoms

Total Joint Replacement for Immediate Reconstruction following Ablative Surgery for Primary Tumors of the Temporo-Mandibular Joint

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tumors are rare and difficult to diagnose. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics of twenty-one patients with primary TMJ tumors between 2010 and 2019 and to analyze the surgical outcome and morbidity after ablative surgery and TMJ replacement. This case series confirmed the difficulty of diagnosis and reaffirmed the need for early recognition and management of TMJ tumors. There were no pathognomonic findings associated with TMJ tumors, although single or multiple radiopaque or radiolucent areas were observed on plain or panoramic radiographs. Occasionally, bone resorption or mottled densities caused by pathologic calcification and ossification were seen. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging played an important role in the diagnosis. In our study, the distribution of histologic types of TMJ tumors was quite different from that of other joint tumors. The recommended treatment was surgical intervention by ablation of the joint and TMJ replacement. The results of this retrospective study support the surgical exeresis and replacement with TMJ stock and custom-made prostheses and show that the approach is efficacious and safe, reduces pain and improves mandibular movements, with few complications.

Mini invasive transoral approach to the glenoid fossa: Benign lesion removal using endoscopy

OBJECTIVE

We describe an endoscopic transoral approach for treating benign lesions of the glenoid fossa with or without infratemporal fossa involvement.

STUDY DESIGN

Description and validation of surgical technique on living humans.

METHODS

Excision of benign lesions arising from the glenoid fossa was achieved in five patients through a transoral endoscopic approach. Using 0- and 45-degree angled 4-mm optics, the entire middle skull base and infratemporal fossa were explored without damaging the nearby neurovascular structures.

RESULTS

Three of the five patients had complete removal of osteochondroma. In the remaining two patients, the lesion removed was diagnosed as osteoma. In one patient, postoperative numbness of the alveolar nerve was observed. No infections were reported. The surgical approach utilized was determined to be valid not only for glenoid fossa exposure but also for management of the middle skull base and infratemporal fossa.

CONCLUSION

The described approach to the glenoid fossa offers direct and minimally invasive access to benign lesions within this region. Further use of this approach will allow us to determine its potential in treating malignancies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.