Management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis associated with mandibular asymmetry in infancy

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis during early childhood always produces alteration of the mandibular growth with facial asymmetry, chin deviation, and malocclusion. The younger the ankylosis happens, the more severe the facial deformity presents. When TMJ ankylosis occurs in infancy, there might be a delay in diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we describe a case of TMJ ankylosis in a 10-month-old boy. The etiology was indistinct. Surgical plan including modified gap arthroplasty, costochondral graft (CCG), temporalis fascial flap, was preformed to this patient. The joint and the mandibular ramus were restored. No severe complication occurred. There was no recurrence of ankylosis and further developing of mandibular asymmetry during 2-year follow-up period.