Bilateral temporomandibular ankylosis. Case report.

Abstract

Introduction. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis represents the impossibility of mandibular movements due to bone consolidation between mandibular condyle and the glenoid cavity of the temporal bone. This pathology creates important morpho – functional and aesthetic difficulties and has a significant impact on life quality. Case presentation. A 28 years old patient was admitted to the Department of OMF surgery, Emergency hospital with the diagnosis of bilateral temporomandibular bone ankylosis. She was clinically and paraclinically examined. The surgery called ”TMJ arthroplasty, using a reconstructive plate and an artificial Titanous condyle” was performed. Discussion. The postoperative period evolved favourably. Postoperative, the degree of the opening mouth estimated 3 cm, free and painless mandibular movements. 6 months later, at the check up visit, the decrease of the opening mouth was to 1 cm. Also, limited mandibular movements were followed. The radiologic exam revealed a bone consolidation around the artificial Titanous condyle. Conclusion. Being a biocompatible material, the artificial Titanous condyle needs a protection barrier, which would limit its bone integration (biocompatible acrylic resins, nearby soft tissue flaps).