Treatment guidelines for temporomandibular joint ankylosis with secondary dentofacial deformities in adults

Simultaneous standard total joint prosthesis reconstruction with SSRO and Le Fort I osteotomy in the treatment of unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis with jaw deformity: a case cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis with jaw deformity (UTMJAJD) may require simultaneous total joint prosthesis (TJP) reconstruction, sagittal split ramus (SSRO), and Le Fort I osteotomies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients treated with these procedures.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed UTMJAJD between 2016 and 2018 were selected for the study. Mandible-first procedure was performed after ankylosis release with TJP on the ankylosed side and SSRO on the contralateral side. Le Fort I osteotomy with and without genioplasty was lastly performed. Maximal incisor opening (MIO), facial symmetry, and jaw and condyle stability were compared before, after operation, and during follow-ups.

RESULTS

Seven patients were included in the study. Their average chin deviation was 9.5 ± 4.2 mm, and maxillary cant was 5.1 ± 3.0°. After operation, jaw deformity significantly improved, with chin deviation corrected 7.6 ± 4.1 mm (p = 0.015) and advanced 5.9 ± 2.5 mm (p = 0.006). After an average follow-up of 26.6 ± 17.1 months, MIO significantly increased from 11.4 ± 9.3 to 35.7 ± 2.6 mm (p = 0.000). The occlusion was stable with no significant positional or rotational changes of the jaw (p > 0.05). There was no obvious condylar resorption during follow-ups.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous TJP reconstruction, SSRO, and Le Fort I osteotomy are reliable and effective methods for the treatment of UTMJAJD.

Characterization of Upper Airway and Analysis of Potential Risk Factor Associated with OSA in Patients with Unilateral Temporomandibular Ankylosis and Micrognathia Deformities

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the airway characteristics in patients with unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis and maxilla-mandibular deformities (UTMAMD) and investigate the potential risk factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among UTMAMD patients.

METHODS

Authors conducted a retrospective single-center study to assess and compare study group consisting of a cohort of 32 patients diagnosed with UTMAMD between January 2011 and July 2022 with control group including 54 participants. The study group was further divided into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of OSA in patients. Parameters related to the upper airway were measured and analyzed using three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomographic scans. The measurements of airway parameters were compared between study group and control group and between two subgroups. Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify the factors associated with the presence of OSA, and a multiple variable regression model was used to identify risk factors for OSA.

RESULTS

Airway volume (VOL), Minimum cross-section area (min CSA), mean CSA, tilt in sagittal plane (TS), and tilt in sagittal plane (TC) in velopharynx; VOL, airway length (AL), min CSA, mean CSA, TS, TC, and airway deviation (AD) in glossopharynx; min CSA, TS, and AD in hypopharynx were found difference with significance between study group and control group. Lateral dimension/anterior-posterior dimension (LAT/AP) ratio in velopharynx and min CSA, TC, and LAT/AP ratio in glossopharynx were significant different between patients with UTMAMD with OSA and without OSA.

CONCLUSIONS

The upper airway of patients with UTMAMD exhibits significant narrowing and distortion, rendering them susceptible to suffer from OSA. Patients with UTMAMD and OSA demonstrate more elliptical airways, and the glossopharyngeal LAT/AP ratio is a predictive indicator for the occurrence of OSA.

Management of paediatric ankylosis

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJa) is one of the most crippling craniomaxillofacial pathological conditions characterized by replacement of normal architecture of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with fibrous or bony tissue. The incidence of TMJa is most common in the paediatric population [first and second decades of life] and is commonly associated with maxillofacial trauma. Comprehensive management entails a thorough evaluation of the associated anatomy of the ankylotic mass and other pertinent details like the presence or absence of obstructive sleep apnoea. Categorizing patients based on these variables helps in selecting an appropriate surgical intervention. Various resective and reconstructive surgical techniques are discussed; along with their merits and demerits. Long-term physiotherapy, long-term clinical follow-up and appropriate family counselling are the essential pillars for success. In this review, the authors present an algorithmic approach to evaluation and management of paediatric TMJa. Appropriate recommendations are made based on evidence to select optimum surgical intervention.

Rehabilitation of Dentofacial Asymmetry Secondary to Unilateral Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis with Dual Distraction and Fixed Orthodontics - Stability at Three-year Follow-up

Optimal rehabilitation of asymmetric dentofacial deformity secondary to unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is often a challenge. The purpose of this case series is to present an insight into esthetic, occlusal and functional rehabilitation of two patients with varying degree of asymmetric Class II dentofacial deformities secondary to long-standing unilateral TMJ ankylosis. The patients were treated with one-stage surgical protocol employing simultaneous dual distraction technique along with interpositional arthroplasty. Dual distraction technique entailed the simultaneous use of two distractors which allowed for proper control of proximal condylar segment during the course of distraction and lowering the risk of ankylosis recurrence. Thereafter, comprehensive fixed orthodontic mechanotherapy involving the use of temporary anchorage devices was instituted to align and level the compensated dentition. Post-treatment records showed significant improvements in skeletal disharmony and functional stability with good functional occlusion. At the three-year follow-up, the morphological and functionally acceptable results were reasonably well-maintained, with no signs of relapse. Through the two cases reported here, we would like to highlight that one-stage concurrent arthroplasty and dual distraction technique is a safe, stable, and reliable approach for surgical and functional rehabilitation of an adult asymmetric dentofacial deformity secondary to unilateral TMJ ankylosis. Meticulously executed comprehensive orthodontic manipulations involving use of acrylic bite-blocks, elastic traction, and temporary skeletal anchorage device play a crucial role in enhancing the final occlusal outcomes.

Outcomes of total joint alloplastic reconstruction in TMJ ankylosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate subjective and objective outcomes in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis treated with TMJ alloplastic reconstruction (TMJR).

STUDY DESIGN

All patients diagnosed with TMJ ankylosis that underwent TMJR at our institution between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: bony and fibrous ankylosis. Subjective variables assessed were facial pain and headaches, TMJ pain, jaw function, diet, and disability. Objective variables assessed were maximum interincisal opening and lateral excursions. The Mann-Whitney test was employed to analyze subjective variables and an unpaired t-test was used to analyze the objective variables. P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria (21 female, 7 male). The mean age at the time of surgery was 42 years, and the mean number of prior TMJ surgeries was 3. A total of 52 TMJRs were performed in the 28 patients, and the mean follow-up time was 46 months. All subjective variables were significantly improved, and the mean maximum interincisal opening increased from 16.9 mm to 37.25 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study demonstrate that TMJR is an effective and reliable method for the management of both fibrous and bony TMJ ankylosis.

Arthroplasty Followed by Distraction Osteogenesis Versus Distraction Osteogenesis Followed by Arthroplasty in the Management of TMJ Ankylosis: A Comparative Study

Aim

To compare treatment outcome of arthroplasty followed by distraction osteogenesis (AFD) and distraction osteogenesis followed by arthroplasty (DFA) in the management of mandibular deficiencies in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis.

Materials and methods

A total of 20 patients with TMJ Ankylosis were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of patients for whom arthroplasty was done prior to distraction osteogenesis (AFD) for the correction of deficient mandible. Group 2 included patients where distraction osteogenesis was performed prior to arthroplasty (DFA). The treatment outcome was assessed based on maximum interincisal distance, overjet, corpus length, ramus height, upper airway, lower airway, duration of the procedure and the complications for the treatment at the end of 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results

After the treatment was ended, the patients of both groups had increase in mouth opening and appearance was improved remarkably. There was general increase in all the parameters in both the groups. But at the end of 12 months, airway and the ramus height were more stable and the control of the proximal segment was superior in DFA group. Open bite was noticed in 2 cases of AFD group which was treated by elastics. There required additional surgery for the removal of distractors in the AFD Group. Establishing the airway during the surgery was easier in AFD group.

Conclusion

The study concludes that distraction followed by arthroplasty was a better procedure for the management of TMJ ankylosis owing to its stable results and less number of surgeries.

Acquired Facial, Maxillofacial, and Oral Asymmetries—A Review Highlighting Diagnosis and Management

Facial asymmetry refers to the absence of, or the deviation from the regular mirror image of facial structures, relative to a referenced midline axis. It can be attributed to a wide spectrum of deformities, including congenital, developmental, or acquired conditions, which can originate either prenatally or postnatally. Though highly prevalent, asymmetry commonly goes undiagnosed due to its subtle or relative nature. Among the spectrum of conditions, acquired cases are triggered postnatally, in previously normal individuals, thus subjecting them to sudden, eventful psychological and psychosocial disharmony. When detected early, timely management may help intervene progressive growth of these conditions. This, therefore, emphasizes the need for a thorough diagnostic workup including medical/dental history, clinical examinations, study models, photographic and radiographic records for a case-by-case basis to prevent severe functional and aesthetic complications. Recently, advanced diagnostic procedures, such as stereophotogrammetry, 3D stereolithographic models, skeletal scintigraphy (radionucleotide scans), 3D computed tomographic scans, cone-beam computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, have provided innovative diagnostic instruments for numerous craniofacial defects. This descriptive review aims at focusing on the factors leading to frequently encountered conditions of acquired facial asymmetry and highlights their clinical evaluation, conservative and surgical interventions by a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians.

Classification and surgical management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a review

The paper reviews various classifications and surgical techniques for the treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis. PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched using a combination of keywords. Articles related to classification, resection-reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint, and management of airway obstruction were considered and categorized based on the objectives. Seventy-nine articles were selected, which included randomized clinical trials, non-randomized controlled cohort studies, and case series. Though several classifications exist, most classifications are centered on the radiographic extent of the ankylotic mass and do not include the clinical and functional parameters. Hence there is a need for a comprehensive staging system that takes into consideration the age of the patient, severity of the disease, clinical, functional, and radiographic findings. Staging the disease will help the clinician to adopt a holistic approach in treating these patients. Interpositional arthroplasty (IA) results in better maximal incisal opening compared with gap arthroplasty, with no significant difference in recurrent rates. Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is emerging as a popular technique for the restoration of symmetry and function as well as for relieving airway obstruction. IA, with a costochondral graft, is recommended in growing patients and may be combined with or preceded by DO in cases of severe airway obstruction. Alloplastic total joint replacement combined with fat grafts and simultaneous osteotomy procedures are gaining popularity. A custom-made total joint prosthesis using CAD/CAM can efficiently overcome the shortcomings of stock prostheses.

A new clinical classification and treatment strategies for temporomandibular joint ankylosis

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) is a complicated condition that affects not only the condyle, but also the maxillofacial complex. Thus, it is often challenging to find a standardized treatment strategy for TMJA. This study was performed to analyse our experience with 95 TMJA patients over a 4-year period and develop a new classification system ('CDA'). The CDA classification system divides TMJA patients into eight different groups according to the preservability of the condyle (C), severity of the dentofacial bone deformity (D), and skeletal age (A). The 95 patients (129 ankylosed joints) were treated using different strategies based on this CDA classification. Treatment options included preserving or reconstructing the condylar head, surgical correction of jaw deformities, and close follow-up of mandibular growth. After treatment, all 129 ankylosed joints were completely released and the average maximum inter-incisal opening (MIO) increased from 3.6 ± 3.2 mm to 32.8 ± 5.4 mm, with no recurrence of ankylosis found during follow-up. In conclusion, this new CDA classification can effectively guide treatment strategies for TMJA patients. Using particular strategies for patients based on specific CDA classifications could provide optimal management to the benefit of TMJA patients.

Staged therapeutic approach for rehabilitation of severe asymmetric Class II dentofacial deformity secondary to long standing unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis

Despite being one of the most pervasive debilitating skeletal problems in the craniofacial region, surgical-orthodontic management of long-standing asymmetric Class II dentofacial deformities is often a unique challenge posed to the clinicians. This case report describes the encouraging results of systematically sequenced and staged therapeutic approach adopted for successful rehabilitation of an adult patient with asymmetric Class II dentofacial deformity with mandibular micrognathia secondary to unilateral TMJ ankylosis. Concurrent gap arthroplasty and bilateral distraction of mandibular body were performed during the first operation for functional restoration of mandibular movements and correction of mandibular micrognathia and associated asymmetry. After 13 months of post-distraction orthodontic treatment, Le Fort I osteotomy for inferior repositioning and sagittal advancement of maxilla was performed during the second operation, in conjunction with adjunctive alloplastic reconstruction of inferior border of mandible for optimization of facial aesthetics. Postsurgical orthodontic detailing facilitated achievement of stable, balanced interdigitation. The total active treatment period was 29 months. After treatment, both the skeletal disharmony and the functional stability were significantly improved with establishment of functional occlusion. The morphological and functionally acceptable results were reasonably well-maintained during three-year follow-up. The merits of mandibular osteodistraction vs. conventional mandibular orthognathic surgery and the potential advantages of staged surgical approach are discussed.

Treatment of Atypical Bifid Mandibular Condyle Associated with Ankylosis of the Temporomandibular Joint

Introduction

The bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) is an unusual temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder with controversial etiology. The association of this entity with ankylosis is rare.

Objective

The objective of the present study is to report a case of BMC with associated TMJ ankylosis in a patient with no history of trauma and/or infection.

Case Report

A 17-year-old male patient sought care reporting pain on the right TMJ region and mastication difficulty due to a severe limitation of mouth opening. In the clinic and imaging examinations, a 15 mm mouth opening and BMC associated with ankylotic mass of the right TMJ were observed, besides a facial asymmetry with chin deviation to the right. The proposed treatment plan was condylectomy on the right side, bilateral coronectomy, and genioplasty, so the chin lateral deviation could be corrected, under general anesthesia. The patient remains under clinical and imaging follow-up of two years with functional stability and no signs of relapse of the ankylosis.

Conclusion

The association of BMC with ankylosis is an atypical entity which must be diagnosed and treated early to prevent aesthetic and functional damages to the patient.

Trismus in Face Transplantation Following Ballistic Trauma

BACKGROUND

Trismus can be a challenging consequence of ballistic trauma to the face, and has rarely been described in the setting of face transplantation. Almost half of all current face transplant recipients in the world received transplantation to restore form and function after a ballistic injury. Here we report our experience and challenges with long standing trismus after face transplantation.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of our face transplant recipients whose indication was ballistic injury. We focused our review on trismus and assessed the pre-, peri- and postoperative planning, surgery and functional outcomes.

RESULTS

Two patients received partial face transplantation, including the midface for ballistic trauma. Both patients suffered from impaired mouth opening, speech intelligibility, and oral competence. Severe scarring of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) required intraoperative release in both patients, and additional total condylectomy on the left side 6 months posttransplant for 1 patient. Posttransplant, both patients achieved an improvement in mouth opening; however, there was persistent trismus. One year after transplantation, range of motion of the jaw had improved for both patients. Independent oral food intake was possible 1 year after surgery, although spillage of liquids and mixed consistency solids persisted. Speech intelligibility testing showed impairments in the immediate postoperative period, with improvement to over 85% for both patients at 1 year posttransplant.

CONCLUSIONS

Ballistic trauma to the face and subsequent reconstructive measures can cause significant scarring and covert injuries to structures such as the TMJ, resulting in long standing trismus. Meticulous individual planning prior to interventions such as face transplantation must take these into account. We encourage intraoperative evaluation of these structures as well as peri- and postoperative treatment when necessary. Due to the nature of the primary injury, functional outcomes after face transplantation in these patients may differ substantially from those of other indications.

Management of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis With Dentofacial Deformities in Children

This retrospective study described the authors' experience in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis with dentofacial deformities in 18 pediatric patients during a 4-year period. These patients underwent different types of arthroplasty with condylar reconstruction, simultaneously with treatment of dentofacial deformities. Re-ankylosis was confirmed if maximal incisal opening (MIO) was <20 mm. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of oral function, radiography, and medical photography. Patients were followed up for a mean time of 24.8 months. No infections, re-ankylosis, or permanent facial nerve damage were found during the hospitalization or follow-up period. All patients achieved significant improvements in MIO and oral function. The dentofacial deformities in most patients were improved to varying degrees. The results provided more useful information for the management of the pediatric patients with TMJ ankylosis and secondary dentofacial deformities. Early treatment and close follow-up play an important role in the management of these patients.

Change in the posterior airway after mandibular distraction osteogenesis in patients with ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint: a retrospective study

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (DO) has been shown to lead to considerable improvement in obstruction of the posterior airway space in patients with ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and our objective was to find out if we could confirm these findings. Seventeen patients had spiral computed tomographic (CT) scans before and after DO. After treatment, the overall posterior airway space was enlarged in all three sections of the airway (oropharyngeal, glossopharyngeal, and laryngeal). We then compared rates of change in the airway among the sections using 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional assessments, and found that the rate of change in 3-dimensional assessment of volume was significantly higher than that in the 2-dimensional (62% compared with 34%). We also found that the higher 3-dimensional rate of change came from changes in the oropharyngeal and glossopharyngeal sections, while there was no significant difference between the 2- and 3-dimensional rates of change in the laryngeal section. Because the laryngeal section had the most robust enlargement after DO in both the overall area of the posterior airway space (increased by 54%) and volume (increased by 73%), we concluded that 3-dimensional assessments were more sensitive to smaller changes in the airway space during the operation. This suggests that 3-dimensional assessments are preferable in the prediction and evaluation of the effects of DO on the posterior airway space.

Application of Bidirectional Distraction Osteogenesis for the Treatment of Mandibular Micriognathia Caused by Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis

BACKGROUND

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a joint disorder that refers to bone or fibrous adhesion of the anatomic joint components and the ensuing loss of function. When it happens on children, it is always accompanied by dentofacial deformities. The objective of this study was to describe the authors' experience of bidirectional distraction osteogenesis for the treatment of mandibular deformities caused by TMJ ankylosis.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with TMJ ankylosis and severe secondary mandibular deformities were treated with bidirectional distraction osteogenesis and release of joint from January 2013 to December 2015. Clinical outcomes were assessed based on the oral function, radiography, and medical photography.

RESULTS

No reankylosis was found during the follow-up period. Sufficient volume and density new bone had been formed after the consolidation period. All patients have maintained stable improvement in oral function during the follow-up period. Most of the patients achieved satisfactory outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Bidirectional transport distraction osteogenesis technique is a good and effective therapeutic option in treatment of bilateral or unilateral TMJ ankylosis patients associated with mandibular micrognathia.

Surgical correction without bone grafts of maxillofacial asymmetric deformities in patients treated for unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis

OBJECTIVE

With the inclusion criteria of patients confirmed and the therapeutic effects and stability evaluated, this article presents the clinical value of bimaxillary orthognathic surgery without bone graft of maxillofacial asymmetric deformities in patients treated for unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis.

STUDY DESIGN

From 2008 to 2012, 12 patients with dentomaxillofacial asymmetric deformities secondary to unilateral TMJ ankylosis who had undergone TMJ reconstruction as the primary surgery were included in the study. Preoperatively, all patients had compensatory occlusal plane and maxillary inclination <10° and mandibular advancement <15 mm according to computer-assisted 3-dimensional surgical simulation and prediction. Patients received LeFort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split rami osteotomy without bone graft, and genioplasty. Pre- and postoperative and long-term radiographic examinations were done to evaluate the therapeutic effects.

RESULTS

Maxillofacial asymmetry and abnormal occlusions in patients were clearly improved in the parameters of facial appearance and occlusion as recorded pre- and postoperatively and long term. All patients obtained satisfactory results and were stable in the 36- to 50-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

The bimaxillary orthognathic treatment protocol without bone grafts described in this study can provide stable improvement in facial appearance and occlusion of secondary dentomaxillofacial deformities in appropriate patients with unilateral TMJ ankylosis.

Distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis with mandibular micrognathia

AIMS

The aims of the study were to evaluate the efficacy of simultaneous interpositional arthroplasty with distraction osteogenesis (DO) as a single procedure and to give the patient acceptable functional rehabilitation with correction of the gross facial asymmetry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine patients of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis with micrognathia were treated with interpositional arthroplasty and simultaneous DO and followed for a period of minimum 3 years. Preoperative, immediate postoperative, at the end of distraction, at 6 months and 3 years postdistraction consolidation radiographs were taken along with the clinical examination for mouth opening, deviation, length of the mandible and ramus, midline shift, occlusal cant, and occlusion.

RESULTS

The results showed an increase in the mouth opening, length of the mandible and ramus height, correction of deviation, occlusion, and midline shift. Relapse was not seen in any case, rather one patient developed infection at the distractor site and two patients had fracture of the roots of the teeth at the osteotomy site. There was an overall improvement in the facial asymmetry.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous interpositional arthroplasty with DO should be used to correct TMJ ankylosis associated with facial asymmetry/micrognathia, as it reduces the need for second surgery, thereby saving the trauma of a second surgery and difficulty in intubation, increases the length of the mandible, corrects the deformity, thereby resulting in an acceptable facial esthetics and function.

Ankylosis and pseudoankylosis of the temporomandibular joint in 10 dogs (1993-2015)

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical features and results of treatment of true ankylosis and pseudoankylosis of the temporomandibular joint in dogs.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective case series. Ten client-owned dogs that were presented for inability to open the mouth or a severely decreased range of motion of the temporomandibular joint were included. Information on the surgical procedures performed and the perioperative complications were documented. Three-dimensional printing of the skull was performed in four dogs.

RESULTS

Two dogs were diagnosed with temporomandibular joint ankylosis and seven dogs with pseudoankylosis. One dog had evidence of combined temporomandibular joint ankylosis and pseudoankylosis. Of the seven dogs with pseudoankylosis, six had an osseous fusion involving the zygomatic arch and mandible. Surgical treatment was performed in nine dogs and a revision surgery was needed in one dog. Follow-up ranged from five months to eight years (mean: 48.6 months). Eight out of nine dogs that were treated surgically regained the ability to open their mouth, but six dogs never regained a fully normal temporomandibular joint range of motion.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis and pseudoankylosis are uncommon in the dog. Surgical treatment for temporomandibular joint ankylosis or pseudoankylosis in dogs is a successful option and carries a prognosis dependent on patient-specific abnormalities. Computed tomography complemented with three-dimensional printing is valuable for understanding the extent of abnormalities and for preoperative planning.

Simultaneous gap arthroplasty and intraoral distraction and secondary contouring surgery for unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis

Background

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis can be accompanied by various degrees of functional and esthetic problems. Adequate mouth opening, occlusal stability, and harmonious facial form are the main goals of treatment for ankylosis. Distraction osteogenesis has proven to be an excellent treatment for lengthening the ramus-condyle unit. However, various timings for distraction have been suggested, and there is no consensus on selection criteria for performing the procedure in stages or simultaneously with other treatments.

Case presentation

In this case report, concomitant intraoral distraction and gap arthroplasty was planned to treat TMJ ankylosis and associated facial asymmetry. After gap arthroplasty and 23 mm of distraction, the ramus-condyle segment was successfully lengthened and mouth opening range was significantly increased. The resultant interocclusal space was stably maintained with an occlusal splint for 4 months after distraction. Finally, good occlusion was achieved after prosthetic treatment. The remaining mandibular asymmetry was corrected with osseous contouring and augmentation surgery. The mouth-opening range was maintained at 35 mm 24 months after treatment.

Conclusion

Gap arthroplasty with intraoral distraction as a one-stage treatment and subsequent contouring surgery can be applied to correct ankylosis with moderate malocclusion and facial asymmetry.

[3D mandibular distraction planification in a case of severe temporomandibular ankylosis]

INTRODUCTION

When occurring in childhood, temporomandibular ankylosis joint is responsible for complex maxillofacial deformities, including mandibular growth deficiency. We present a case of temporomandibular joint ankylosis associated with severe mandibular asymmetry treated by mandibular bone distraction performed under computer assistance.

OBSERVATION

A 27-year-old patient presented with a severe facial asymmetry consisting in hypoplasia of the left hemi-mandible and maxilla. Mouth opening was non-existent. The CT-scan showed a left temporomandibular ankylosis. A left mandibular distraction was decided. The distraction characteristics (choice and positioning of the distractor, axis and amount of distraction) were determined preoperatively on the 3D CT-scan. The planning has been transferred to a navigation console (Kolibri®, Brainlab®). A combined intraoral and cutaneous was performed. Navigation allowed for an appropriate placement of the osteotomy line and fixation of the distractor. Distraction was started at the 5th postoperative day at the rate of 1mm per day and lasted 25 days without complication.

DISCUSSION

3D planning allows for better indication setting, better preparation of the procedure, reducing complications and operative time. It may help as an educational tool for young surgeons and for a better understanding from the patient. Navigation is an accurate method for the transfer of the planning in the operation room.

Retrospective comparison of autogenous cosotochondral graft and coronoid process graft in the management of unilateral ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint in adults

We retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes of autogenous coronoid process grafts (n=32) and costochondral grafts (n=28) in condylar reconstruction for the treatment of unilateral ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in adults. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included diet scores, cone-beam computed tomography (CT), maximal interincisal opening, lateral excursion, and mandibular deviation on opening the mouth. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the measurements before and after the operation with respect to incisal opening, lateral excursion, mandibular deviation, diet scores, or recurrence rate, but in both the postoperative incisal opening, lateral excursion, and diet scores had improved significantly compared with preoperatively. After costochondral graft 3 patients developed intraoperative plural tears, and 6 had temporary pain at the donor site. The frontal branch of the facial nerve was temporarily affected in 5 patients after costochondral graft and 3 after coronoid process grafts, all of which recovered in 3-6 months. There was no recurrence after coronoid process grafting, and one after costochondral grafting. The clinical outcomes in both groups were satisfactory and comparable. Autogenous coronoid process grafting may therefore be a good alternative for condylar reconstruction in patients with ankylosis of the TMJ.