Complications associated with different surgical modalities for management of temporomandibular ankylosis in a series of 791 cases

Abstract

Objective

Various modalities of treatment for temporomandibular ankylosis have been undertaken from time to time. The aim of this study was to analyse the most successful treatment modality for the management of temporomandibular ankylosis and review their complications.

Study design

This clinical study of 791 patients of temporomandibular joint ankylosis, included 623 interposition arthroplasty with temporal fascia, 48 dermal fat, 29 auricular cartilage, 12 acrylic joint replacement, 11 silicon, 24 costochondral graft, 23 sternoclavicular graft, and 21 chondro-osseous iliac graft. These patients were evaluated with regard to type of ankylosis, pre and postoperative mouth opening, and associated complications.

Results

Complications like recurrence (4.80%), involvement of facial nerve (3.67%), anterior open bite (19.09%) and overgrowth of graft (0.5%) were observed in a follow up period ranging from 2 to 17 years.

Conclusion

Sternoclavicular graft reconstruction in children and dermal fat interposition arthroplasty in adults should be the treatment of choice for management of temporomandibular ankylosis.