title: Fracture of costochondral graft in temporomandibular joint reconstructive surgery: an unexpected complication.
abstract: The case of a 35-year-old woman with a history of several temporomandibular joint (TMJ) operations, including condylectomy, is reported. She presented with myofacial pain and partial fibrous ankylosis of her right TMJ. The ankylosis was released and an autogenous costochondral graft was used to restore the vertical dimension of the ramus. About 3 months after surgery, a fracture of the graft occurred during physical therapy. The cause of this complication is discussed with reference to the literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital St Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Merkx
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Freihofer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000009:adverse effects; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012086:Reoperation; D012272:Ribs / Q000637:transplantation; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000601:surgery*