Protection of the Temporomandibular Joint During Syndromic Mandibular Distraction With a Novel Condylar Offloading Device

J Craniofac Surg. 2017 Oct;28(7):1855-1856. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000003899.

Abstract

Mandibular distraction for severe micrognathia in syndromic patients often leads to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, which requires further interventions to regain joint motion. The increased incidence of postdistraction ankylosis is likely related to increased prevalence of preoperative joint pathology in syndromic micrognathic patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that offloading the pressure on the condyle during the distraction process can prevent such TMJ pathology. In this article, the authors describe a successful new method for offloading the condyle to prevent postdistraction ankylosis using an external TMJ offloading device.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ankylosis / prevention & control*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandible / surgery
  • Mandibular Condyle / surgery*
  • Micrognathism / surgery*
  • Osteogenesis, Distraction / adverse effects
  • Osteogenesis, Distraction / instrumentation*
  • Osteogenesis, Distraction / methods
  • Syndrome
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / prevention & control*

Supplementary concepts

  • Temporomandibular ankylosis