J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg.  2023 Aug;49(4):218-222. 10.5125/jkaoms.2023.49.4.218.

Temporomandibular joint re-ankylosis: a case report and literature review

• Kalita F
• KV A

• KMID: 2545588
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5125/jkaoms.2023.49.4.218

Abstract

Re-ankylosis is a common postoperative complication of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis surgery. Various surgical options to prevent reankylosis, both with and without interpositional material, have been discussed in the literature. However, no standardized protocol has been suggested for management or prevention of TMJ ankylosis. This paper discusses the probable causes behind TMJ re-ankylosis and presents a case of unilateral TMJ re-ankylosis, which was managed by gap arthroplasty using an autologous abdominal dermal fat graft as an interpositional material and closely monitored for signs of relapse. Autologous fat graft acted as an effective barrier between the glenoid fossa and mandibular condyle, thus preventing dead space, hematoma and heterotrophic bone formation. A brief review of the literature and update on TMJ re-ankylosis are also presented.

Keyword

Temporomandibular joint reankylosis; Autologous abdominal dermal fat graft; Gap arthroplasty; Interpositional arthroplasty

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Intraoperative pictures. A. Gap arthroplasty of 1.5 cm done. B. Maximum mouth opening, 45 mm. C. Incision marking over supra-pubic area. D. Dermal fat is harvested. E. De-epithelization of dermis is done and fat is procured. F. Free fat graft. G. Free fat graft interposition done.

Reference

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