Interpositional Gap Arthroplasty by Versatile Pedicled Temporalis Myofascial Flap in the Management of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis- A Case Series Study

True bony TMJ ankylosis in children: Case report

INTRODUCTION

The clinical importance of ankylosis in children is concerning with its massive effect and disturbance on the mandibular future growth causing gross deformity apart from the limited mouth opening. Trauma is the most common cause of bony and fibrous ankylosis. History, physical examination and radiographical examination of each patient with ankylosis of TMJ is mandatory in arriving to a final diagnosis, severity, involvement of adjacent structures and ultimately to plan the treatment.

CASE PRESENTATION

Ten years old girl presented with her family seeking solution for a severely limited mouth opening. From the history, the child has suffered from height fall at the age of 4 years. She had complained from swelling and pain near the ear, treated by analgesics, gradually subsided and neglected. This limitation affects on feeding and had an impact on the child's health, seeking for management for the condition became mandatory. Clinical examination, radiographical examination is prepared in beside that ethical approval with full discussion with the parents done. Blind nasal intubation done.

DISCUSSION

Patients with true bilateral ankylosis are considered as the aggressive type. It's not just because of ankylosis. Surgeons should keep in their minds that well experienced anesthetist is important; also extension of the ankylosed bone with amount of cutting is important and re ankylosis as a complication must be avoided.

CONCLUSION

The surgeons agree with the statement that success in the preventing reankylosis after TMJ gap arthroplasty. Its primarily refers to the early postoperative physiotherapy, maintained on a long term.

Use of Temporalis Fascia Flap in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis: A Clinical Audit of 5 Years

Aim:

Restoration of normal function and jaw movements in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis has been a challenge. Various techniques have been provided for its treatment; but the results have been variable. The purpose of this paper is to present an easy and versatile method for the treatment of TMJ ankylosis and to decrease postoperative complications such as reankylosis.

Materials and Methods:

This paper is a review of surgical outcome of interposition arthroplasty with temporalis fascia in 17 patients of unilateral TMJ ankylosis who underwent the above procedure. The review is based on the pre-, intra- and post-operative evaluation of these seventeen patients who were treated between 2008 and 2013. The follow-up time was 1–5 years.

Results:

Reankylosis was seen in only one of the patients; the remaining patients had satisfactory mouth openings.

Conclusion:

Surgical treatment of TMJ ankylosis with interposition of temporal fascia is an effective and easy procedure for prevention for reankylosis. The autogeneous nature and proximity to the joint are the main advantages of the temporal fascia flap when compared with other interpositional materials.