Aetiology and presentation of ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint: report of 23 cases from Abuja, Nigeria

Several studies have reviewed the management of ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), but only a few focused on the aetiology and clinical features. We retrospectively studied the aetiology and clinical features of patients with ankylosis of the TMJ who presented to the Maxillofacial Unit, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria, between 2004 and 2009. There were 13 male and 10 female patients, M:F ratio 1.3:1, age range 6–62, mean (SD) 20 (13) years. The aetiological factors were trauma (n = 11) that comprised falls (n = 6), untreated fractures of the zygomatic arch (n = 4) and myositis ossificans (n = 1); infection (n = 9), that comprised cancrum oris (n = 3) and ear infection (n = 6); congenital or unknown (n = 2), and coronoid hyperplasia (n = 1). The maximum interincisal distance at presentation ranged from 0 to 25 mm (mean (SD) 6.7 (7.2) mm). Seventeen had facial deformities. The diagnoses recorded were as follows: left extracapsular ankylosis, (n = 8); right intracapsular bony ankylosis, (n = 6); left intracapsular bony ankylosis, (n = 4); bilateral intracapsular bony ankylosis, (n = 4), and bilateral intracapsular fibrous ankylosis (n = 1). Extreme poverty was the main predisposing factor. There is a need for a concerted effort among healthcare providers, policy makers, and the world in general to eradicate poverty and improve healthcare to limit the incidence of ankylosis of the TMJ.