Treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis and facial asymmetry with bidirectional transport distraction osteogenesis technique

Transport distraction technique is a good treatment modality for unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis. However, with a unidirectional distraction, it is not possible to correct facial asymmetry that results from mandibular hypoplasia associated with early-onset unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis. For this purpose, gap arthroplasty and simultaneous bidirectional transport distraction was used to correct these deformities. Although vertical distraction corrects vertical deficiency of the ramus and creates a neocondyle, the simultaneous anteroposterior distraction of the transport segment corrects facial asymmetry resulting from horizontal shortness of mandible. Three patients, whose mean mouth opening was 8.6 mm, were successfully treated with this technique. Mean advancements in vertical and anteroposterior direction were 14.7 and 7.7 mm, respectively. Mean maximal mouth opening was 29.7 mm postoperatively. The average follow-up period was 13 months (range, 12-15 mo). During this period, reankylosis was not observed, and the interincisal distance did not decrease. Gap arthroplasty and bidirectional transport distraction of the mandibular ramus is a good and effective therapeutic option in treatment.     

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint developing shortly after multiple facial fractures

A 41-year-old male patient was referred for treatment of extensive facial fractures and lateral condylar dislocations. The patient underwent open reduction and fixation under general anaesthesia. Intermaxillary fixation was released in 2 weeks and mouth opening was 21 mm. Despite postoperative physical exercises, the range of motion decreased to 10 mm at 5 weeks after the surgery. MR arthrography revealed a fibrous ankylosis in the bilateral TMJs. Coronal CT scans depicted a bony outgrowth of the left TMJ tuber. The patient underwent surgery for the ankylosis including discectomy and coronoidectomy, and removal of the bony outgrowth. An interincisal distance of 30 mm on maximal mouth opening has been maintained for 14 postoperative months. The importance of imaging assessment was emphasized for diagnosing the precise pathologic state of the ankylosis and selecting an appropriate surgical treatment of choice.     

A manipulation technique for treatment of anterior disk displacement without reduction

Anterior disk displacement without reduction, called "closed locking," is a serious stage of the internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. Many types of conservative and surgical treatments have been applied to this problem. A new manipulation technique to release "closed locking" of the temporomandibular joint and the clinical results on 35 patients are reported in this study. Voluntary maximal mouth opening of the patients were measured as interincisal distance before and after the application of the manipulation technique. The voluntary maximal mouth opening of 14 of 17 patients (82%) who were younger than 30 years was improved to more than 40 mm after the application of the manipulation technique. Contrariwise, the voluntary maximal mouth opening of only 5 of 18 patients (28%) who were older than 30 years was improved to more than 40 mm.     

Intra-articular fracture of the mandibular condyle: a case report

The authors describe a case of intra-articular fracture of the left mandibular condyle, successfully treated by the pumping technique in the upper and lower joint cavities, and show arthroscopic findings in these cavities. The patient was a 15-year-old boy whose maximum mouth opening was 30 mm. Computed tomography revealed a left intra-articular sagittal fracture of the condylar head. Aspiration of the hematoma in the upper and lower joint spaces was performed with ten pumping actions. In the upper and lower joint spaces, arthroscopic examination revealed the disappearance of the hematoma. The patient continued opening, protrusive, and lateral excursive exercises. One month after the surgery, the maximal interincisal distance was improved to 45 mm with straight opening. In the case presented, mouth-opening exercises, along with the pumping technique for treatment of an intraarticular fracture of the mandibular condyle, allowed satisfactory and stable results in the improvement of limited mouth movement.     

牵伸支具对颞下颌关节盘锚固术后患者开口受限的作用评价

目的:探讨颞下颌关节盘不可复性前移位患者行关节盘复位锚固术后,使用颞下颌关节牵伸支具治疗开口受限的疗效.方法:选择67例颞下颌关节盘锚固术后开口受限患者,其中支具牵伸组32例,对照组35例.对照组进行常规居家康复训练,支具组接受常规居家康复训练加颞下颌关节牵伸支具牵伸.评估患者治疗前与治疗6周后的最大主动开口度、疼痛评...     

Clinical and functional staging of oral submucous fibrosis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of location of bands in oral submucous fibrosis and extent of mouth-opening. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University hospital, Pakistan. SUBJECTS: 325 patients who presented with oral submucous fibrosis in Karachi between January 1992 and October 1994, of whom 288 had data sufficient for analysis. MAIN MEASURES: Location of fibrous bands in the mouth and interincisal distance (mm). RESULTS: All subjects with labial bands had bands in the fauces, and all but one who had labial bands also had buccal bands. All those with buccal bands also had bands in the fauces. Of those with buccal bands, 42% did not have labial bands. The proportion of patients with bands in all three sites increased from functional stage A (interincisal opening < or = 10 mm) to stage C (interincisal opening > or = 20 mm) with a simultaneous reduction in the proportion of people with bands in one or two sites (X2 = 105, df = 4, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Bands are common at the back of the mouth in mild cases of oral submucous fibrosis and, as the disease increases in severity, are more likely to be found anteriorly as well.     

Coronoidectomy,masticatory myotomy and buccal fat pad graft in management of advanced oral submucous fibrosis

The purpose of this study is to evaluate coronoidectomy, masticatory myotomy and buccal fat pad graft in advanced (Stage III–IV) oral sub mucous fibrosis (OSF). 10 patients with clinically and histologically confirmed advanced OSF underwent surgery entailing bilateral coronoidectomy, masticatory muscle myotomy and closure with a pedicled buccal fat pad graft followed by vigorous mouth opening exercises. The result was evaluated using the interincisal distance at maximum mouth opening as the objective outcome measure over a follow up period of 12 months. Results showed a mean interincisal opening of 14.7 mm preoperatively and 32.5 mm at 12 months postoperatively. Relapse was encountered in one patient who did not cooperate with the postoperative exercise regime. Results suggest this regime is effective.     

Prospective outcome assessment of the therapeutic benefits of arthroscopy and arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint

Patients who fail to respond to routine conservative measures to treat pain, restriction, and locking in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may have therapeutic arthroscopy or arthrocentesis, both of which are associated with symptomatic improvement in 86% of patients. To our knowledge there are no current data on improvements in mouth opening and lateral deviations after these procedures. This prospective audit includes 244 patients treated between 2005 and 2010 from one surgeon's practice, who were followed up at least once at 6 weeks after arthroscopy or arthrocentesis. They had various conditions but all had tender joints. Measurements of interincisal opening, left and right lateral excursions, and protrusion were taken before and during operation with callipers (mm). Opening and pain scores were also recorded on 10 cm analogue scales before operation and at 6 weeks. Pain scores improved with intervention from a mean score of 37.1–16.1 (range 0–100). The improvement in mouth opening ranged from 0 to 78% (as some patients had locking or pain with normal opening before operation), and 86% had improved enough to be discharged at 6 weeks. Temporary forehead weakness in two patients resolved within the timescale of the study. The study shows improvements in mouth opening, and confirms that pain scores can be improved after arthroscopy or arthrocentesis when conservative approaches have failed. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, arthroscopy can be a useful diagnostic and therapeutic adjunct, which can be used repeatedly with low morbidity.     

Epidemiologic survey of functional conditions of the masticatory system in Belgian children aged 3–6 years

In this epidemiologic survey 510 children aged 3-6 yr were investigated. Several occlusal and functional parameters were measured: the maximal interincisal distance, the frequency of lateral and frontal crossbite, open bite, the number of tooth contacts on lateral excursions of 3 mm, the wear facets, deviations in opening, pain in muscles and in the TM-joints, TMJ sounds, parafunctional habits. The interincisal distance varied between 25 and 55 mm. This distance increased with age. Only five children had a hypermobility of the mandible (opening more than 55 mm) and 11 a restricted opening movement (less than 30 mm). 7.2% showed a lateral crossbite on the right, and 8.9% on the left, side. The percentage of an open bite decreased with age from 66.7% in the 3-yr-olds to 20.0% in the 6-yr-olds. 33% of the children had only one contact on the working side. As reported by the parents 7.7% had regularly bruxism but 21.8% showed wear facets on the molars and 40.7% on the front teeth. Only in three girls were the TMJ painful to palpation. Dysfunction only occurred in 3.5% of the sample.     

Arthroscopic surgery for treatment of anterior displacement of the disc without reduction of the temporomandibular joint

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical results and efficacy of an arthroscopic approach to correct anterior displacement of the disc without reduction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with limitation of mouth opening. We studied 28 joints with internal derangement in 23 patients, all of whom had had arthroscopic surgery (lavage, lysis of adhesions in the superior compartment, incision parallel to the disc-synovial crease of the upper joint compartment, and pull back of the anteriorly located disc). Objective and subjective data (increase in maximal interincisal opening, magnetic resonance imaging, and visual analogue pain score, VAS) were collected preoperatively and at 7, 30, 60 days, and 6 months or more postoperatively. Maximal interincisal opening improved from a mean (SD) of 20.4 (±4.5) mm preoperative measurement to 38.9 (±3.2) mm by 6 months postoperatively where indicated in previous line. The VAS showed a significant improvement in pain score (p=0.0023). Sixty days postoperatively the positions of the discs in 14 of the TMJs had improved considerably. In 13 of the TMJs the positions had improved slightly. Only 1 of the TMJs had not improved at all. There were no complications in any patient. Our arthroscopic procedure is safe, minimally invasive, and effective for the treatment of patients with displacement of the disc anteriorly without reduction of the TMJ.     

Subankylotic ostectomy for release of TMJ ankylosis using the transmasseteric anterior parotid approach

Twelve patients with temporomandibular joint ankylosis (5 bilateral and 7 unilateral) with preoperative maximal mouth opening ranging from 0 to 11 mm (mean, 2.25 [SD, 3.19] mm) were treated with a subankylotic ostectomy. Inclusion criteria in the study were patients older than 18 years with restricted mouth opening of less than 30 mm and radiographic evidence of temporomandibular joint ankylosis. The mean maximal postoperative mouth opening was 38.92 (SD, 3.11) mm. All patients showed good functional rehabilitation in terms of movement and speech with no radiographic evidence of recurrence and no occurrences of temporary or permanent facial nerve palsy, sialoceles, or salivary fistulae. As this technique does not encroach upon the mass of ankylotic bone but creates a pseudarthrosis beneath it, chances of recurrences are minimized. The entire length and width of the right ramus from the condyle to the angle region can be accessed with this technique.     

自体肋软骨和自体喙突移植在成人单侧颞颌关节强直治疗中的临床效果比较

目的：比较成人单侧颞颌关节强直髁突重建中自体喙突移植和肋软骨移植的临床效果。方法：选取32例自体喙突移植和28例自体肋软骨移植重建髁突的颞下颌关节强直病例,对其术前和术后的饮食分数、最大张口度、侧向运动、开口型偏斜、CT扫描影像学等方面进行评价。结果：两组患者的关节强直治疗均取得满意效果。在饮食分数、张口度、侧向运动、开口型偏斜和复发率等术前及术后的测量值中,两组间差异无统计学意义（P>0．05）,但两组病例中术后张口度、侧向运动及饮食分数均较术前有显著改善。肋软骨移植术中有3例患者出现了胸膜撕裂,6例患者出现了移植骨供区的暂时性疼痛。肋软骨移植及喙突移植术后分别有5例和3例患者的面神经颞支受到了损伤,3－6月内康复。喙突移植组中无关节强直复发,肋软骨移植组中有1例复发。结论：在颞下颌关节强直矫治中,自体喙突移植是一种较好的髁突重建骨移植材料。     

同期关节重建及下颌体牵张成骨治疗颞下颌关节强直3例报道

目的:对伴有严重牙颌面畸形的颞下颌关节强直患者,采用自体肋骨软骨移植重建关节,同期运用牵张成骨术行下颌骨牵张成骨延长下颌体长度,治疗下颌后缩和阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS),评价治疗计划的可行性及短期效果。方法:3例颞下颌关节强直患者,平均年龄17.5岁,发生关节强直的平均年龄为3.6岁,病程平均为13.9a,开口度均为0,均伴有严重牙颌面畸形和OSAHS。根据头影测量结果,预先设计患侧下颌支下降的长度和下颌体延长长度;采用关节成形术加双侧冠突切除,术中取模制备板,进行同期自体肋骨软骨移植重建颞下颌关节和双侧下颌体牵张成骨术。术后第7天开始牵引,每天2次,牵引速率为0.8mm/d。结果:3例患者均顺利完成手术,术后未出现感染等严重并发症。顺利完成牵张成骨。下颌骨牵引长度平均为22.5mm(20.5～25mm)。术后3个月开口度平均为28mm(26～32mm),患者面形及OSAHS获得良好改善。结论:肋骨软骨移植关节重建同期进行下颌体牵张成骨具有良好的稳定性,该设计有利于缩短治疗周期和治疗费用,在短期内可同时解决开口、面形和OSAHS等问题,为后续矫正咬合关系奠定了基础。     

Condylar reconstruction by oblique sliding vertical-ramus osteotomy.

INTRODUCTION: The posterior border of the mandibular ramus can be used as a pedicled graft for reconstruction of the condyle. This article describes a technique that is better in certain situations than the use of other autogenous grafts or alloplastic materials. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three adult patients, two with osteochondroma and one with hyperplasia were treated by condylectomy and simultaneous reconstruction with the pedicled posterior mandibular border. A meticulous oblique osteotomy and reinsertion of the lateral pterygoid muscle was performed. RESULTS: In all three cases an immediate mouth opening with stable occlusion was achieved. The interincisal opening was more than 40 mm after 3 weeks, with a deviation no greater than 4mm towards the affected side. All excursive movements were present in all directions, and correction of the facial asymmetry was achieved. There was no T.M.J. pain and all patients expressed satisfaction during the follow-up of 56 months (average). An adequate remodelling of the neocondyle without resorption as well as a stable occlusion was observed in every case. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the condyle by sliding vertical-oblique ramus osteotomy provides, in cases of condylar tumours, excellent functional and cosmetic results.     

Facial growth after treatment of unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis in childhood without growth centre transplantation. A serial cephalomorphometric study

Our aim was to study the influence of early surgical treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis on further facial growth and development. At the Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Zurich, 11 children with a unilateral TMJ-ankylosis met the criteria of a maximal preoperative interincisal mouth opening of 15 mm, of a minimal long-term postoperative interincisal mouth opening of 30 mm, and of excellent documentation. 30 anatomical landmarks were defined on the copies of the follow-up cephalograms using the structure-superimposition technique. The points were perforated and digitized. Analysis and graphic-plotting were followed by computer. The hypothesis that mandibular growth continues once the ankylosis was successfully treated (without transplantation of a growth centre) and mandibular function definitely restored, was confirmed. The treatment does normalize the growth rate, but it seems that abnormal growth patterns cannot be influenced by it. As a consequence, the surgical release of the ankylosis should be performed as early as possible.     

Distraction osteogenesis in a patient with juvenile arthritis

We present a 26-year-old patient with juvenile-onset arthritis, Alagille's syndrome, micrognathia, and progressive sleep apnea. Despite the presence of significant temporomandibular joint pathology, mandibular distraction was indicated to correct life-threatening sleep apnea. Before distraction, the patient had only 10 mm of maximal interincisal opening and bilateral temporomandibular joint symptomatology. After distraction, the patient's sleep apnea resolved. There was slight improvement in her maximal incisal opening (12 mm) with neither exacerbation nor improvement of her temporomandibular joint symptomatology.     

The retromandibular transparotid approach to mandibular subcondylar fractures

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, utility and morbidity associated with the treatment of mandibular subcondylar fractures using the retromandibular transparotid approach and to evaluate the stability of a single 2mm miniplate fixation system for such fractures. Forty-two cases with 48 mandibular subcondylar fractures were analysed prospectively for 12 months and evaluated for functional results, scar, postoperative complications and stability of fixation. There were three cases of suboptimal occlusal status, two cases of haematoma that were drained and resolved, eight patients with facial nerve weakness which resolved in a few weeks, and three cases of salivary fistulae that resolved after treatment. All cases showed stable osteosyntheses. Maximal postoperative interincisal distance was 32-61 mm (mean 44 mm). Four patients had deflection on opening, while clicking on opening or chewing was observed in five patients. The postoperative scars were well accepted by all patients. The results of this study suggest that a retromandibular approach will facilitate accurate reduction and fixation of subcondylar fragments with a good cosmetic result and minimal complications. A single 2 mm miniplate fixation provides stable results.     

Clinical evaluation of different treatment methods for oral submucous fibrosis. A 10-year experience with 150 cases

Over a 10-year period (1982–1991), a total of 150 patients divided into two groups with varying degrees of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) were treated by either medical or surgical therapies. Medical treatment involved (a) conservative oral administration of vitamin B-complex, buflomedial hydrochloride and topical triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%, or (b) conventional submucosal injections of a combination of dexamethasone and hyaluronidase, or (c) a combination of both (a) and (b). The surgical group was treated by the excision of fibrotic tissues and covering the defect with split-thickness skin, fresh human amnion, or buccal fat pad (BFP) grafts. Treatment was chosen according to the stage of clinical progression to gain maximal interincisal distance (ID). The cases were followed up by monthly examinations for at least two years, or when possible even longer. A combination of (a) and (b) medical treatment was satisfactory in cases of mild impairment (ID > 20 mm) but in the long term it led to symptomatic relief only. Surgical therapy, on the other hand, when accepted by the patients, led to a significant improvement of trismus in cases of severe limitation (ID < 20 mm). Following this strategy, an additional ID increase was observed in all patients. BFP grafting was particularly successful in diminishing scarring after two years as compared with the other two grafts. Together with a cessation of the betel quid chewing habit before and after therapy, these treatment regimens combined with daily mouth opening exercises were found to be necessary to manage OSF cases in early and advanced stages of progression.     

Efficacy of buccal fat pad in the surgical management of oral submucous fibrosis: a prospective study

Purpose

Various surgical treatment modalities have been advocated in the surgical management of oral submucous fibrosis with variable results. This prospective study evaluates the efficacy of buccal fat pad in the surgical treatment of oral submucous fibrosis.

Patients and Method

In the present study, 20 patients were treated for oral submucous fibrosis with interincisal mouth opening less than 16 mm. Surgical procedure included fibrotomy, all third molar extractions, and coronoidotomy or coronoidectomy followed by reconstruction of fibrotomy defect with buccal pad of fat. Postoperatively, patients were prescribed nutritional and antioxidant supplements along with vigorous mouth opening exercise for 6 months. Regular follow-up was carried out for 2 years.

Results

Excellent increase in the interincisal mouth opening was noticed relieving trismus. Patient’s ability of masticate and tolerance to regular food was increased significantly. Buccal fat pad underwent rapid epithelization within a period of 5–7 weeks.

Conclusion

Buccal fat pad can be used effectively in the surgical management of oral submucous fibrosis with good functional and esthetic outcome, with only drawback of supple lobulated fat, which requires delicate handling and its limitation to reach anteriorly beyond the canine region.