Injection of botulinum toxin A in lateral pterygoid muscle as a novel method for prevention of traumatic temporomandibular joint ankylosis

• The mechanisms of traumatic temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) are still unclear.
• The distraction osteogenesis of the lateral pterygoid muscle may contribute to traumatic TMJA.
• Injection of botulinum toxin type A in lateral pterygoid muscle is a novel method for preventing the traumatic TMJA.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis can restrict the mandibular movement, followed by resulting in numerous problems. To understand the mechanism of TMJ ankylosis (TMJA) and prevent the generation of TMJA is urgent necessary. Although many factors contribute to it, trauma is the most common cause of TMJA. The mechanisms of TMJA are still unclear, and the distraction osteogenesis of the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) may play an important role. Injection of very small amounts of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) can temporarily block the muscle’s impulse and has been revealed to be an effective treatment method for many temporomandibular disorders. In this article, we make a hypothesis that LPM injection of BTA as a novel method for immobilization of mandible, followed by preventing the traumatic TMJA. Furthermore, the side effects of local injection of BTA also are minimal, temporary, reversible and self-limiting. If this strategy is validated, LPM injection of BTA will be a cost effective way to be administrated to prevent the traumatic TMJA.

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