Effect of auricular cartilage graft in the surgical treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis: An animal study using sheep.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the functional and histologic fate of an auricular cartilage graft used in reconstruction of an ankylosed sheep temporomandibular joint (TMJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five sheep were used in this study. TMJ ankylosis was induced in the right joints and the left joints were used as controls. The ankylosed TMJ was released by gap arthroplasty with an interposed auricular cartilage graft at 3 months. The sheep were sacrificed at 3 months after the arthroplasty. The maximal mouth opening was measured pre- and postoperatively. The joints were evaluated radiologically and histologically. RESULTS: Maximal mouth opening was maintained after placement of an auricular graft into the gap arthroplasty. Radiographically the surfaces of the temporal bone and ramus stumps were irregular, but radiolucent gaps were formed between them. Histologically, the auricular cartilage graft was alive and well attached to the mandibular ramus stump. In all operated joints, there was joint space between the grafted cartilage and temporal bone, with the space filled with fibrous connective tissue, which was oriented parallel to the temporal surface. CONCLUSION: Auricular cartilage graft with gap arthroplasty is useful in preventing reankylosis after TMJ gap arthroplasty for ankylosis.     

The effect of gap arthroplasty on temporomandibular joint ankylosis: an experimental study.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the functional and anatomical changes after gap arthroplasty release of unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. Five adult sheep weighing an average of 57 kg were used. All right joints were operated. Ankylosis was induced in the right TMJ by articular damage, disk removal and placement of a bone graft plus immobilization wire. At 3 months the gap arthroplasty were performed. All TMJs were examined functionally, radiologically, macroscopically and histologically. Functionally, the range of jaw movements decreased following induction of ankylosis (P<0.0001), increased immediately on release but was reduced again at 3 months after release (the vertical movement, no statistically significant difference; the right movement, P<0.001; the left movement, P<0.0001). Histologically, all operated joints showed fibrous adhesions across the gap, and further, the articular surface was irregular with osteophytes and with bony islands in the gap. This appearance is more consistent with a fibrous reankylosis than a functioning pseudo joint. This study shows that the gap arthroplasty for TMJ ankylosis did not restore the TMJ functionally and histologically to the preexisting state.     

The role of muscle grafts in temporomandibular joint ankylosis: short-term experimental study in sheep

The temporalis muscle flap can be used as an inter-positional graft placed into a gap arthroplasty site in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the muscle graft in sheep. Five pure-bred adult Merino sheep were used and ankylosis was induced in all right TMJs. At 3 months, the ankylosis was released by gap arthroplasty and reconstructed with a masseter muscle graft, because the temporalis muscle is short and poorly vasculized in sheep. The sheep were killed at 3 months after muscle grafting. The maximal mouth opening was recorded before and after operation and at death. The joints were examined radiologically and histologically. In 4 sheep mouth opening remained at the pre-operative level. A clear radiolucent space remained between the smooth temporal and ramus stumps. Histologically, the muscle graft remained vital but with some fibrous tissue formation between the bone ends. One sheep developed an infection at the operative site following the muscle graft; this partly resolved with antibiotics, but the TMJ developed a fibrous reankylosis that was demonstrated clinically, radiologically and histologically. These results indicate that an uncomplicated temporalis muscle graft reconstruction with gap arthroplasty is a successful and stable procedure in human TMJ ankylosis.     

A sheep model for temporomandibular joint ankylosis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop an animal model for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five sheep had removal of the temporal and condylar articular surface plus discectomy in the right TMJ; the left side was used as a control. One sheep was killed just after operation and four at 3 months. The joints were examined histologically, and a scoring system was developed to evaluate the extent of the ankylosis. The range of jaw movement was compared between preoperatively and 3 months. RESULTS: Two sheep lost 4% of their body weight by 3 months. The range of jaw movement, particularly to the left, decreased at 3 months (P < .001). The joint spaces were filled with fibrous tissue and cartilage-like tissue. Development of new bone from the damaged temporal and condylar surfaces was seen, but full bony fusion did not occur. The average histologic score of a zone was 4.9 on the degree-of-ankylosis scale and 1.7 on the degree-of-calcification scale. There were statistically significant differences between the operated and control TMJs for both changes (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Fibrous ankylosis occurs rapidly after removal of the TMJ articular surfaces and the disc. This model can be further developed to isolate relative factors in the development of ankylosis and in evaluation of different treatment methods.     

Effect of limited jaw motion on ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint in sheep

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of limited movement of the jaw on ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Eighteen adult sheep were divided into two groups. In Group 1, the temporal and condylar articular surfaces were removed together with the disc on the right. In Group 2, we did the same procedures but in addition the jaw movements were limited by a wire. One sheep was killed just after the operation, four at one month, and four at three months, in each group. The range of jaw movements preoperatively and at the time of death were recorded. The joints were examined radiologically, macroscopically, and histologically. We used a scoring system to assess the radiological changes and histological extent of ankylosis. At one month, the joint spaces were filled with fibrous tissue, but a small joint space existed in all four joints in Group 1. In Group 2, there was full ankylosis in two joints and partial ankylosis in two joints. At three months, similar ankylotic changes were seen in both groups. The histological score for ankylosis at one month showed that those in Group 2 were significantly more ankylosed than in Group 1 (P<0.01). The range of jaw movements was more limited at one month in Group 2, both vertically and to the left, and was significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.01) at three months. Limitation of jaw motion hastens the progress of TMJ ankylosis.     

The role of the disk in sheep temporomandibular joint ankylosis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the disk in intraarticular ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint. STUDY DESIGN: Twelve adult sheep were divided into 2 groups. In group 1, removal of the temporal and condylar articular surfaces was performed on the right temporomandibular joint and the disk was maintained; in group 2, removal of the articular surfaces and diskectomy were performed on the right temporomandibular joint. One sheep from each group was killed just after surgery and 5 sheep from each group were killed at 3 months. The joints were examined radiologically, macroscopically, and histologically. The range of jaw movements was recorded preoperatively and at sacrifice. RESULTS: Each of 2 sheep in group 2 had lost 4% of their body weight by 3 months; all of the other sheep maintained or increased their weight. The range of jaw motion to the right was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 (P<.01). In group 1, fibrous repair of the articular surface and regeneration of the condylar head was seen. In group 2, each of the joints showed a total fibrous ankylosis with some calcification. There was a statistically significant difference in radiologic score between the groups (P<.0001). Histologic scores for group 1 demonstrated significantly lower scores on the degree of ankylosis scale and degree of calcification scale (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the presence of the disk prevented the development of fibrous intraarticular ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint.     

Management of recurrent ankylosis in arthrogryposis: new solutions to a rare problem

Arthrogryposis is a rare condition that comprises contracture of the joints, muscular weakness, and fibrosis. Restricted mouth opening caused by coronoid hyperplasia has been reported but to our knowledge, ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has not. Standard management of ankylosis includes creation of a gap arthroplasty and possible reconstruction with autogenous or alloplastic materials. We describe management of a patient with arthrogryposis who developed ankylosis for a second time after satisfactory gap arthroplasty and total replacement of the TMJ with a custom-made prosthesis. The original prosthesis was removed, the ankylosis resected, and the prosthesis replaced. This has given an excellent outcome at 12 months.     

Sliding reconstruction of the condyle using posterior border of mandibular ramus in patients with temporomandibular joint ankylosis

The traditional approach for ankylosis is gap arthroplasty or interpositional arthroplasty followed by reconstruction of the condyle using, for example, costochondral grafts. As these are non-pedicled grafts, there is eventual resorption with subsequent decrease in height of the ramus, facial asymmetry and deviated mouth opening. The authors have applied the method of total and partial sliding vertical osteotomy on the posterior border of the mandibular ramus for reconstruction of the mandible condyle as a pedicled graft for the correction of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. From 2004 to 2008, 18 patients who were diagnosed with TMJ ankylosis underwent operations for resection of the ankylosed condyle. Two methods were performed depending on the level of osteotomy on the posterior part of the mandibular ramus. All patients were followed-up for an average of 36 months (range 24-48 months). All patients showed apparent improved joint function with no cases of re-ankylosis. The results showed that sliding vertical osteotomy on the posterior border of the mandibular ramus seems to be an alternative and promising method for condylar reconstruction in patients with TMJ bony ankylosis.     

Effect of partial immobilization on reconstruction of ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint with an autogenous costochondral graft:an experimental study in sheep

The purpose of this study was to show the effect of partial immobilization of a costochondral graft reconstruction of an ankylosed temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in five adult sheep. Ankylosis was induced in all right TMJs. At three months, a graft was inserted and partially immobilized. Three months after the second operation, four sheep were killed by an overdose with pentothal. One sheep was killed at one month because of infection. Functionally, the body weight, which decreases with ankylosis, did not recover after insertion of the graft and the range of jaw movements got worse. Histologically, the grafts were well attached to the mandibular rami in three of four joints. In one joint, the graft showed signs of resorption and a foreign body reaction. We conclude that, if the reconstructed joint is partially immobilized, then there will be a degree of reankylosis. There was also a high failure rate.     

The interpositional dermis-fat graft in the management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis

The aim of this retrospective clinical study is to present the clinical experience of using dermis-fat interpositional grafts in the surgical management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis in adult patients. Eleven adult patients who presented with ankylosis of the TMJ were identified and included in the study. All patients underwent a TMJ gap arthroplasty which involved the removal of a segment of bone and fibrous tissue between the glenoid fossa and neck of the mandibular condyle. The resultant gap was filled with an autogenous dermis-fat graft procured from the patient's groin. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. Five of the 11 patients were found to have osseous ankylosis while 6 patients had fibro-osseous ankylosis. Two patients had bilateral TMJ ankylosis that were also treated with costochondral grafts which were overlaid with dermis-fat graft. The average interincisal opening was 15.6 mm on presentation which improved to an average of 35.7 mm following surgery. Patients were followed up from 2 to 6 years post-operatively (mean 41.5 months) with only 1 re-ankylosis identified out of the 13 joints treated. This study found that the use of the autogenous dermis-fat interpositional graft is an effective procedure for the prevention of re-ankylosis up to 6 years following the surgical release of TMJ ankylosis.     

Surgical induction of temporomandibular joint ankylosis: an animal model.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop an animal model of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) bony ankylosis for future evaluation of surgical reconstructive methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An animal model was selected on the basis of 2 sequential experiments. Four goats and 4 minipigs were used in the first experiment, in which 1 goat and 1 minipig served as control animals. Condylectomy with disc preservation was performed on 1 side of 3 animals in each group. On the contralateral TMJ, condylectomy with discectomy was performed, and the arthroplasty gap was filled with the autogenous bone chips. In the second experiment, TMJ ankylosis was induced bilaterally in 3 additional animals of the species that achieved better ankylosis results in the first experiment. All animals were killed postoperatively at 3 months, and the TMJ complexes were examined by plain radiography, computed tomography, and histological evaluation. RESULTS: In the first experiment, only fibrous ankylosis was observed in the bone-grafted side of 2 goats and 3 minipigs, whereas fibro-osseous ankylosis was achieved in the remaining goat. The extent of ankylosis was found to be more severe in the goats than the minipigs. Hence, goats were selected for bilateral surgery in the second experiment, which achieved consistent bony ankylosis of the TMJ in all animals. CONCLUSIONS: Goats provide a better TMJ bony ankylosis model than minipigs. Consistent bony ankylosis can be induced by bilateral condylectomy, disectomy, and bone grafting of the arthroplasty gap.     

Is dermis fat arthroplasty better than plain gap arthroplasty? A prospective randomised controlled trial

The aim of the study was to compare interpositional arthroplasty using a dermis fat graft with gap arthroplasty in the management of ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We organised a prospective randomised study of 22 patients who presented with ankylosis of the TMJ. They were randomised to be treated with either plain gap arthroplasty or dermis fat arthroplasty, and the predictor variable was the method of treatment. The primary outcome variables were mouth opening and pain on jaw exercises. Pain and interincisal opening were measured on day 5, day 14, at the end of one month, and at six months, one year, two years, and three years. There was a significant difference between the two groups on two occasions: postoperative day 5 (p = 0.013) and at one year (p = 0.018). The mean (SD) scores for mouth-opening were higher in the dermis fat group at all times (41.20 (4.69) mm compared with 39.50 (2.46) mm in gap arthroplasty at two years, and 41.40 (3.60) mm compared with 38.9 (2.02) mm at three years). The visual analogue pain scores were also lower in the dermis fat graft group. The groups showed similar results at the end of three years follow up, with no significant difference in mouth opening. We conclude therefore that the two techniques have similar outcomes in the management of ankylosis of the TMJ.     

颞下颌关节强直的手术方法与复发

目的:通过比较颞下颌关节强直四种手术方法的复发率,探讨手术方法的改进对减少复发的作用。方法: 回顾1988-2002年间我院收治的颞下颌关节强直手术病人140例,其中采用耳前切口101例,包括裂隙关节成形 术55例,间置物关节成形术17例,保留关节盘的关节成形术29例;主要采用耳前加颌下切口的关节重建术39例。 此期间复发20例。结果:总复发率约14.3％,裂隙关节成形术的复发率约16.4％,间置物关节成形术的复发率约 23.5％,关节重建术总的复发率为15.4％,而保留关节盘组复发率仅3.4％。结论:手术方法的改进可减少复发: 对创伤性颞下颌关节强直,保留关节盘的关节成形术可有效降低复发率;而其它手术方法均有不同程度的复发,它 们之间的疗效比较还需要进一步随访观察。     

Management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis with temporalis fascia flap and fat graft

AimTemporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a serious problem that restricts jaw mobility and causes disturbances in facial and mandibular growth. The purpose of this paper is to present an easy and versatile method for the treatment of TMJ ankylosis to decrease postoperative complications such as re-ankylosis.Material and methodEleven patients who presented with ankylosis of the TMJ underwent surgical release. After performing gap arthroplasty through a preauricular approach, the temporalis fascia flap was transposed to the gap. An autogenous fat graft was then obtained from the abdomen and used as interpositional material. The follow-up time was 3–5 years.ResultsRe-ankylosis did not occur in any of the patients, and all had satisfactory mouth opening.ConclusionSurgical treatment of TMJ ankylosis with gap arthroplasty, interposition of the temporalis fascia flap and fat grafting is an effective and easily procedure for preventing of re-ankylosis. The autogenous nature and close proximity to the joint are the main advantages of the temporalis fascia flap when compared with other interpositional materials, and the fat graft provides additional support by reducing pressure.     

Single stage treatment of ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint using patient-specific total joint replacement and virtual surgical planning

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a debilitating condition that can result in pain, trismus, and a poor quality of life. It can be caused by injury, infection, and rheumatoid disease. Current management includes gap arthroplasty, interpositional arthroplasty, and reconstruction. Traditionally, joints are reconstructed using stock implants, or the procedure is done in two stages with an additional computed tomography (CT) scan between the resective and reconstructive procedures and use of stereolithographic models to aid the design of the definitive prostheses. We describe a technique for the resection of ankylosis and reconstruction of the joint in a single operation using virtually designed custom-made implants. Five patients with ankylosis of the TMJ had a single stage operation with reconstruction between 2010 and 2012. All had preoperative high-resolution CT with contrast angiography. During an international web-based teleconference between the surgeon and the engineer a virtual resection of the ankylosis was done using the reconstructed CT images. The bespoke cutting guides and implants were designed virtually at the same time and were then manufactured precisely using computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD-CAM) over 6 weeks. After release of the ankylosis and reconstruction, the patients underwent an exercise regimen to improve mouth opening. Follow-up was for a minimum of 6 months. Four patients had one operation, and one patient had two. Median/Mean maximum incisal opening increased from 0.6 mm before operation to 25 mm afterwards (range 23–27), and there was minimal surgical morbidity. This new method effectively treats ankylosis of the TMJ in a single stage procedure. Fewer operations and hospital stays, and the maintenance of overall clinical outcome are obvious advantages.     

颞肌筋膜瓣联合冠突移植治疗颞下颌关节强直

目的:应用带蒂颞肌筋膜瓣联合冠突移植治疗颞下颌关节真性强直,评价其重建颞下颌关节的效果。方法:对6例颞下颌关节真性强直患者切除病变区骨质,形成骨间隙,采用带蒂颞肌筋膜瓣转移充填骨间隙和冠突切取植入构造新的“髁突”,重建颞下颌关节。手术后常规随访,评价其疗效。结果:全部病例术后随访4～28个月,开口度3.1～3.8cm,平均开口度3.5cm,效果满意。结论:带蒂颞肌筋膜瓣联合冠突移植治疗颞下颌关节真性强直具有多方面优势,是防止颞下颌关节术后复发的有效手术治疗方法。     

Gap arthroplasty combined with distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of unilateral ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint and micrognathia

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of simultaneous gap arthroplasty and distraction osteogenesis (DO) in the treatment of unilateral ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients with micrognathia. During the period January 2000-December 2006, 11 patients with unilateral ankylosis of the TMJ and micrognathia were treated with simultaneous gap arthroplasty, mandibular osteotomy, and implantation of a distractor. Mouth opening exercises were started on the first postoperative day and distraction on the fifth postoperative day. All patients had satisfactory mouth opening at follow-up, the mean (range) being 32.4 (28-37) mm in 13 to 58 months' follow-up. Mean length (range) of the mandibular body increased by DO was 12.4 (7-15) mm. Facial asymmetry was corrected and satisfactory occlusions achieved with the help of postoperative orthodontic treatment. We conclude that DO and gap arthroplasty can be used simultaneously in the treatment of patients with ankylosis of the TMJ and micrognathia.     

A clinical study on ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint.

INTRODUCTION: Restoration of normal function and jaw movement in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is difficult. Various techniques have been defined for the treatment of the condition. PATIENTS: This study is based on the pre-, intra- and post-operative evaluation of 78 TMJ operations in 59 patients who were treated for TMJ ankylosis between 1985 and 2002. METHODS: The patients in this study were evaluated with regard to age, gender, aetiology of ankylosis, ankylosis type/classification, existing facial asymmetry, maximal pre- and post-operative mouth opening, the arthroplasty methods (gap and interpositional arthroplasty) including complications and recurrence of ankylosis. RESULTS: Falls represented the most widespread aetiological factor (85%), and women constituted the group with the highest incidence of ankylosis (61%). Forty cases were unilateral (68%) and 19 bilateral (32%); 82% (64 joints) were of the bony type. Gap arthroplasty was applied in 34 of the 59 cases (58%) and interpositional arthroplasty in the remaining 25 (42%). Pre- and post-operative mean mouth opening were 3.5+/-1.7 and 30.7+/-3.0mm, respectively. Re-ankylosis was noted in 5%. CONCLUSION: In addition to radical and sufficient resection of the ankylosed bone, early post-operative exercises, appropriate physiotherapy and close follow-up of the patient play an important role in the prevention of post-operative adhesions and re-ankylosis.     

Autogenous Reconstructive Modalities of TMJ Ankylosis-A Retrospective Analysis of 45 Cases

The study reports the authors’ experience in managing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis in Chennai, India (1995–2006) and compares the surgical modalities used. Forty-five patients (67 joints) were reviewed in this retrospective study. Pre- and post-operative assessment included history, radiological, physical examination, and range of mouth opening. Age, gender, aetiology, joint(s) affected, surgical modality, complications and follow-up periods were evaluated. Various types (fibrous, fibroosseous and bony) of TMJ ankylosis were diagnosed. Trauma was the commonest aetiology. The patients’ age range was 2–50 years, 51.1 % were males and the follow-up period ranged from 14 to 96 months. Average mouth opening was significantly increased to 32 mm 12 months post-operatively. Mouth opening was compared following different interpositional materials like temporalis interpositioning (33 mm), costochondral graft (30.6 mm) and autograft (30 mm). Minor and major complications were encountered in 37.4 % of cases, including 6.7 % recurrence rate. Early release of TMJ ankylosis; reconstruction of the ramus height with distraction osteogenesis or bone grafting combined with interpositional arthroplasty, followed by vigorous physiotherapy is a successful strategy for the management of TMJ ankylosis.     

The sequential treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis with secondary deformities by distraction osteogenesis and arthroplasty or TMJ reconstruction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sequential treatment of patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis and secondary deformities by distraction osteogenesis and subsequent arthroplasty or TMJ reconstruction. This study included 40 patients treated at a stomatological hospital in China; they ranged in age from 9 to 53 years (mean age 24.5 years). Ten of these patients were diagnosed with unilateral TMJ ankylosis and 30 with bilateral TMJ ankylosis. Twenty-seven patients also presented obstructive sleep apnoea–hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS). All patients underwent distraction osteogenesis as the initial surgery, followed by arthroplasty or TMJ reconstruction. Some patients underwent orthognathic surgery to improve occlusion and face shape along with or after arthroplasty or TMJ reconstruction. The therapeutic effects were evaluated in terms of the improvements in maximum inter-incisal opening (MIO), appearance, and respiratory function. After the completion of treatment, all patients showed improvements in MIO and appearance, and the symptom of snoring disappeared. The airway space was significantly increased. Patient follow-up ranged from 6 to 85 months (mean 28.3 months), and four patients experienced relapse. This study suggests that treating TMJ ankylosis with secondary deformities by distraction osteogenesis as the initial surgery and arthroplasty or TMJ reconstruction as the second-stage treatment may achieve favourable outcomes, especially for patients with OSAHS; however, some patients may require orthognathic surgery.