[Postankylosis condylectomy of the temporomandibular joint in a 5-year old girl. Report of a case].

Abstract

A case of post-traumatic temporomandibular joint ankylosis is described, and the technique of the treatment is detailed. Previous review of the literature was made in order to know the advantages of the treatment. There are several reports of children who have suffered facial injuries and fractures of the facial bones that became into ankylosis, characterized by the formation of new temporomandibular joint surfaces. The patient was a five years old girl who presented ankylosis of TMJ due to a car accident six months before. The symptom were: Limitation of motion, persistent close lock of mouth (2 mm) muscle pain that causes the patient to avoid eating foods, and the gradual loose of phonetic function. Condylectomy of the left mandibular condyle was performed to correct the mechanical problems associated to ankylosis. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course, and now are waiting the outcome of the treatment by a follow up study.