Management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis type III: lateral arthroplasty as a treatment of choice

Many surgical techniques for the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis have been described in the literature. The purpose of this study was to report our experience using a lateral arthroplasty technique in the management of type III ankylosis. The records of 15 patients treated for TMJ ankylosis at our institution between 2007 and 2011 were reviewed. Pre- and postoperative information collected included age, gender, aetiology, ankylosis type/classification, existing facial asymmetry, maximum pre- and postoperative mouth opening, complications, and recurrence of ankylosis. The mean maximum inter-incisal opening in the preoperative period was 12.9 mm and in the postoperative period was 36.2 mm. No major complication was observed in any patient. No recurrence was noted in any patient. Our working hypothesis was that for patients with ankylosis type III, the medially displaced condyle and disc can fulfil their role in mandibular function and growth after extirpation of the ankylozed mass. Although they are located in an awkward medial position, they should function exactly as they would after a properly treated, displaced condylar fracture.