Strategies to reduce re-ankylosis in temporomandibular joint ankylosis patients

The purpose of the study was to define a protocol for the prevention of re-ankylosis after surgical management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA). The investigators designed a retrospective study on all TMJA patients treated with different treatment modalities from 2013 to 2019. The investigators observed that complete removal of the ankylotic mass particularly on the medial side; use of a piezoelectric scalpel for a clean and smooth osteotomy with copious irrigation to remove bone chips and slurry; less trauma to the local tissue; osteotomy design parallel and inferior osteotomy at the narrowest part, which mostly corresponds to the condylar neck; performance of a coronoidectomy (if mouth opening is <30 mm), fat interposition; no intraoperative correction of any pre-existing chin deviation when treated with costochondral graft; patient motivation; and aggressive physiotherapy, and use of a vacuum drain are all important to prevent re-ankylosis, irrespective of the treatment modality. A total of 114 patients (n = 152 joints), [bilateral (n = 38), unilateral (n = 76)] were evaluated retrospectively. Interpositional arthroplasty with fat was performed in n = 43, CCG was used for reconstruction in n = 30 and total joint replacement (TJR) was done in n = 41 patients. Re-ankylosis was seen in n = 3 (2.6%) patients (2 in CCG and 1 patient in interpositional arthroplasty). The follow-up ranged from 12-80 months. The results conclude that following the suggested best practice protocol is effective in reducing re-ankylosis.