A clinical study on ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint

SummaryIntroductionRestoration of normal function and jaw movement in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is difficult. Various techniques have been defined for the treatment of the condition.PatientsThis study is based on the pre-, intra- and post-operative evaluation of 78 TMJ operations in 59 patients who were treated for TMJ ankylosis between 1985 and 2002.MethodsThe patients in this study were evaluated with regard to age, gender, aetiology of ankylosis, ankylosis type/classification, existing facial asymmetry, maximal pre- and post-operative mouth opening, the arthroplasty methods (gap and interpositional arthroplasty) including complications and recurrence of ankylosis.ResultsFalls represented the most widespread aetiological factor (85%), and women constituted the group with the highest incidence of ankylosis (61%). Forty cases were unilateral (68%) and 19 bilateral (32%); 82% (64 joints) were of the bony type. Gap arthroplasty was applied in 34 of the 59 cases (58%) and interpositional arthroplasty in the remaining 25 (42%). Pre- and post-operative mean mouth opening were 3.5±1.7 and 30.7±3.0 mm, respectively. Re-ankylosis was noted in 5%.ConclusionIn addition to radical and sufficient resection of the ankylosed bone, early post-operative exercises, appropriate physiotherapy and close follow-up of the patient play an important role in the prevention of post-operative adhesions and re-ankylosis.