Mandibular condylectomy with osteoarthrectomy with and without transfer of the temporalis muscle

Twenty-two patients with chronic arthritis and ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were treated by resection of the condyle with osteoarthrectomy and interposition with a temporalis muscle flap. We compared them with 14 patients who were treated by condylectomy and osteoarthrectomy alone. All patients were evaluated prospectively. Most patients had had a previous operation on the disc. Variables investigated before and after operation were pain during mandibular movements (using a visual analogue score (VAS) of 1–10) and impaired mandibular function such as chewing and biting off (also using a VAS of 1–10). Maximum interincisal opening was measured with a ruler. Both groups of patients showed significant improvements in all the variables evaluated. Using the predefined success criteria, both methods showed good success rates with few complications. The patients treated by interposition of the temporalis muscle tended to do better, but not significantly so. Both methods induced occlusal changes and some needed dental treatment postoperatively.