title: Ankylosis of temporomandibular joint in children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis or hypomobility involves fusion of the mandibular condyle to the base of the skull. It is a major clinical problem that affects many patients suffering from facial trauma, infection, or systemic disease. The treatment of TMJ ankylosis poses a significant challenge because of technical difficulties and a high incidence of recurrence.
  
  
  METHODS
  This report describes a case of a 4-year-old boy with inability to open mouth, diagnosed with unilateral right bony TMJ ankylosis. The surgical approach consisted of gap arthroplasty followed by vigorous physiotherapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A detailed history, clinical and functional examination, radiographic examination facilitating correct diagnosis followed by immediate surgical intervention, and physiotherapy can help us to restore physical, psychological, and emotional health of the child patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, V. S. Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. ushymohandas@gmail.com
authors.forename: U M
authors.initials: UM
authors.lastname: Das
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Keerthi
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Ashwin
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: VenkataSubramanian
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shiggaon
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000844:Ankylosis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005146:Facial Asymmetry / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008844:Micrognathism / Q000209:etiology; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*