Management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a case report of joint replacement with piezoelectric surgery

Minerva Stomatol. 2012 Jul-Aug;61(7-8):329-35.
[Article in English, Italian]

Abstract

Aim: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a joint disorder which refers to bone or fibrous adhesion of the anatomic joint components and the ensuing loss of function. This report describes the management of a case of bilateral TMJ ankylosis in a 20-year-old patient with prosthetic replacement with the aid of a piezoelectric instrument (MECTRON (R).

Methods: The right ankylotic mass was surgically removed and replaced by a custom-made prosthesis based on data obtained from three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) reconstruction of the skull of the patient using a stereolithography model.

Results: At six months postoperative, the opening of the mouth was stable at 36 mm and imaging studies (CT and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) showed a great condylar prosthesis and surrounding tissues in addition to partial remodeling of the left TMJ.

Conclusion: In this patient, despite the bilateral ankylosis, it was sufficient to intervene only on the right TMJ, which presented a serious bone block, with mobilization since surgery gradually restored the anatomical and functional conditions of the left TMJ compatible with normal activities of mastication and speech.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ankylosis / surgery*
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Piezosurgery*
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / surgery*
  • Young Adult

Supplementary concepts

  • Temporomandibular ankylosis