Auricular cartilage graft interposition after temporomandibular joint ankylosis surgery in children.
OBJECTIVE
After surgery for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, relapse is frequently due to fibrosis and ossification occurring in the space of the joint. The object of this study was to evaluate the use of autogenous auricular cartilage graft as an interposition material after arthroplasty of the TMJ ankylosis.


METHODS
Seven patients with TMJ ankylosis were treated with autologous auricular cartilage graft interposition arthroplasty. With 4 to 6 years of follow-up, the function of the TMJ was evaluated.


RESULTS
In 7 patients with TMJ ankylosis treated with autologous auricular cartilage graft interposition arthroplasty, the function of the TMJ recovered well. At 6-year follow-up, no relapse had occurred and no deformities resulted in the ear from which the cartilage had been harvested.


CONCLUSIONS
Autologous auricular cartilage interposition arthroplasty is an ideal method for the prevention of relapse of TMJ ankylosis.
Lei
Zhou
Z
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Stomatological Hospital, Guanzhou City, Guangdong Province, PR China. zho668@263.net
D000293:Adolescent; D000844:Ankylosis / Q000601:surgery*; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000601:surgery; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000601:surgery*