A Clinical and Radiological Investigation of the Use of Dermal Fat Graft as an Interpositional Material in Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Surgery

The role of physiotherapy interventions in the management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis : Running title: Physiotherapy in TMJ ankylosis

BACKGROUND

The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify peer-reviewed scholarly journal articles reporting the significance of physiotherapy interventions in managing TMJ ankylosis. In addition, this study aimed to critically appraise the existing evidence on the prevalence and clinical presentation, physiotherapy intervention approaches, efficacy of physiotherapy interventions, adverse effects, and safety of physiotherapy interventions in TMJ ankylosis management.

METHODS

An all-inclusive literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus electronic databases. The researchers screened the potential articles and assessed for eligibility based on the reported inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality evaluation tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Tool were used to assess the quality of the included studies. Researchers also comprehensively analyzed the data, reported the results, and discussed them according to the predominant themes.

RESULTS

The primary electronic database search yielded 409 articles, of which 25 were included in this review. A secondary search was conducted from citations of the included studies, yielding 74 articles, of which six were included in the study. A significantly higher prevalence of bony ankylosis than fibrous ankylosis, with an overall effect size of p < 0.00001. In addition, there were significantly more unilateral than bilateral presentations with an overall effect size of p < 0.00001. Moreover, there were 78 reported complications out of 245 subjects according to five included studies demonstrating a significant effect size with p = 0.001 following the treatment protocols.

CONCLUSION

This study highlighted the prevalence of bony ankylosis in temporomandibular joint ankylosis, emphasizing its impact on patients' well-being. On the other hand, the results show that physiotherapy is essential to optimize postoperative outcomes and minimize adverse events such as re-ankylosis. Practitioners and healthcare professionals must monitor postoperative recovery and ensure strict adherence to physiotherapy protocols for optimal outcomes.

Temporomandibular joint re-ankylosis: a case report and literature review

Re-ankylosis is a common postoperative complication of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis surgery. Various surgical options to prevent reankylosis, both with and without interpositional material, have been discussed in the literature. However, no standardized protocol has been suggested for management or prevention of TMJ ankylosis. This paper discusses the probable causes behind TMJ re-ankylosis and presents a case of unilateral TMJ re-ankylosis, which was managed by gap arthroplasty using an autologous abdominal dermal fat graft as an interpositional material and closely monitored for signs of relapse. Autologous fat graft acted as an effective barrier between the glenoid fossa and mandibular condyle, thus preventing dead space, hematoma and heterotrophic bone formation. A brief review of the literature and update on TMJ re-ankylosis are also presented.

Effectiveness of Dermis Fat Graft Versus Temporalis Myofascial Flap for Interposition in Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis: A Systematic Review

Background

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis is a disabling condition which affects joint movements causing difficulty in speech, mastication and hygiene. Over time various interposition materials like meniscus, muscle, fascia, skin, cartilage, fat, dura and alloplastic materials have been used for the treatment of ankylosis and improve joint functions.

Objective

The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of dermis fat graft and temporalis myofascial flap as an interpositional material in treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis and to compare the effectiveness of the two materials.

Materials and Methods

PubMed, Google scholar, and Cochrane library search in combination with hand search of relevant journals were conducted published in English from January 2000 to August 2021. Randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies were included. Outcome measure included improvement in mouth opening. Risk of bias assessment was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

Results

A total of 144 articles were found from the primary search which on thorough assessment, duplicate and exclusion removal resulted in 9 cohort studies and 1 randomized controlled trial that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All the studies included reported significant improvement in mouth opening after interposition of the 2 materials. Four studies compared temporalis myofascial flap with dermis fat graft, 2 studies reported dermis fat graft gives better outcomes, whereas 1 study reported temporalis myofascial flap to be better and 1 study has been inconclusive.

Conclusion

Definitive conclusions cannot be drawn as there are number of limitations in the studies included. However a general consensus has been toward dermis fat graft owing to fewer complications.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12663-023-01869-9.

Annual review of selected scientific literature: A report of the Committee on Scientific Investigation of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry

The Scientific Investigation Committee of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry offers this review of the 2020 professional literature in restorative dentistry to inform busy dentists regarding noteworthy scientific and clinical progress over the past year. Each member of the committee brings discipline-specific expertise to this work to cover this broad topic. Specific subject areas addressed include prosthodontics; periodontics, alveolar bone, and peri-implant tissues; implant dentistry; dental materials and therapeutics; occlusion and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs); sleep-related breathing disorders; oral medicine and oral and maxillofacial surgery; and dental caries and cariology. The authors focused their efforts on reporting information likely to influence day-to-day dental treatment decisions with a keen eye on future trends in the profession. With the tremendous volume of dentistry and related literature being published today, this review cannot possibly be comprehensive. The purpose is to update interested readers and provide important resource material for those interested in pursuing greater detail. It remains our intent to assist colleagues in navigating the extensive volume of important information being published annually. It is our hope that readers find this work useful in successfully managing the dental patients they encounter.