Functional restoration by excision arthroplasty in temporomandibular joint ankylosis--a report of 35 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long term functional results of excision arthroplasty in treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis.


METHODS
This retrospective study includes 35 patients of TMJ ankylosis who were treated by excision arthroplasty and followed for a maximum period of eight years after surgery. Past trauma was documented as a major etiological factor in 63% cases. Fibrous ankylosis & unilateral involvement was found to be more common. Peroperatively a gap of 1 1/2 to 2 cm was created. The results were assessed according to a criteria based on inter-incial month opening, deviation of jaw and complications. They were satisfactory in 29 cases and there were 3 recurrences.


CONCLUSIONS
Childhood trauma is a major cause of TMJ ankylosis in India. Long term results of excision arthroplasty are satisfactory & comparable to other surgical modalities that are in vogue, provided the patients are operated when young, the ankylosis is in early stage, gap created is adequate and post operative exercise regimen is followed diligently.
Devgan
A
A
J. Medical Campus, Rohtak 124001. ADEVGAN@VSNL.COM
Siwach
R C
RC
Sangwan
S S
SS
D000293:Adolescent; D000844:Ankylosis / Q000601:surgery*; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000601:surgery*