Comparison of Temporalis Myofascial Flap vs Dermal Graft as an Interpositional Material in Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis: A Case Series

Abstract

Temporomandibular ankylosis is a condition that affects the function and esthetics of a person. Various options are available as interpositional grafts to prevent recurrence of ankylosis, e.g., meniscus, dura skin, fascia, fat, muscle, cartilage, alloplastic materials, and xenografts. The merits and demerits of the dermal fat graft as an interpositional material following gap arthroplasty were compared with temporalis fascia interposition in this study. Twenty patients with TMJ ankylosis (three patients had bilateral TMJ ankylosis) were randomly divided into two groups of 10 patients each; in group I, interposition with the dermis-fat graft that was taken from the suprapubic region was done. Patients in the control group had an interposition with temporalis fascia and muscle from the same surgical site. All the patients were evaluated by age, sex, clinical features, etiology, and postsurgical complications. The age of all the patients was between 2 years and 11 years. Postoperatively and during follow-up, the interincisal mouth opening was adequate with proper healing of the donor site. Conclusion states that the use of the dermal fat graft shows minimum donor site morbidity and proves to be an effective interposition material to prevent recurrence of TMJ ankylosis.