Preservation of disc for treatment of traumatic temporomandibular joint ankylosis.

PURPOSE: A new operating method was used to treat traumatic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, to restore the structure of the TMJ, to improve the secondary maxillofacial deformity, and prevent recurrence of TMJ ankylosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients (20 females, 16 males; aged 5 to 54 years old) with TMJ ankylosis type II or III of 1 to 16 years' duration, with a maximal mouth opening from 0 to 15 mm preoperatively participated. The new method was to separate bony fusion between condyle and glenoid fossa, remove the condylar fragment that displaced medially or anteroinferiorly, mobilize the remains of the disc over the condylar stump and suture it with articular capsule, and shave the surface of the condylar stump and glenoid fossa smooth. RESULTS: Follow-up was performed from 1 to 7 years postoperatively in 21 cases. No recurrences occurred in patients whose TMJ disc was retained during operation. Patients had an average maximal mouth opening of 33.7 mm postoperatively. An 11-year-old patient showed an improved facial symmetry after surgery. CONCLUSION: By restoring the normal structure of the TMJ and preservation of the disc, recurrence of traumatic TMJ ankylosis and facial deformity in younger patients can be prevented.     

颞下颌关节强直治疗方法分析

目的 探讨治疗颞下颌关节强直并有效防止复发的方法.方法 对3例外伤性颞下颌关节强直病例,除将残余关节盘复位缝合外,分别用喙突、残留髁状突及喙突联合钛金属关节头恢复颞下颌关节结构.结果 病例1术后1年复查,张口度为2.5 cm,咬合时下颌偏术侧.病例2术后1年复查,张口度为3.7 cm,咬合关系正常.病例3术后3个月复查,张口度为3.9 cm,前牙轻度开(牙合).结论 恢复关节的"正常"解剖结构,使残余的关节盘复位,保留残留的髁状突,并使其复位固定,有望提高颞下颌关节强直患者手术疗效,减少复发.     

Management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis type III: lateral arthroplasty as a treatment of choice

Many surgical techniques for the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis have been described in the literature. The purpose of this study was to report our experience using a lateral arthroplasty technique in the management of type III ankylosis. The records of 15 patients treated for TMJ ankylosis at our institution between 2007 and 2011 were reviewed. Pre- and postoperative information collected included age, gender, aetiology, ankylosis type/classification, existing facial asymmetry, maximum pre- and postoperative mouth opening, complications, and recurrence of ankylosis. The mean maximum inter-incisal opening in the preoperative period was 12.9 mm and in the postoperative period was 36.2 mm. No major complication was observed in any patient. No recurrence was noted in any patient. Our working hypothesis was that for patients with ankylosis type III, the medially displaced condyle and disc can fulfil their role in mandibular function and growth after extirpation of the ankylozed mass. Although they are located in an awkward medial position, they should function exactly as they would after a properly treated, displaced condylar fracture.     

保留颞下颌关节盘治疗外伤性颞下颌关节强直

目的：应用保留颞下颌关节盘的手术方法治疗外伤性颞下颌关节强直,达到恢复颞下颌关节结构、改善面部外形和防止术后复发的目的。方法：对36例外伤所致Ⅱ型和Ⅲ型颞下颌关节强直病例进行手术,男16例,女20例,年龄5～54岁,病程1～16a,最大开口度0～1.5cm。新的手术方法是凿开关节窝与髁突之间的骨性融合,凿除前内侧移位的髁突骨折碎片,将残余的关节盘向外牵拉、复位,与外侧关节囊缝合,同时将髁突与关节窝磨改光滑。结果：36例病例中,21例术后随访1～7a,保留关节盘手术的病例均无复发,术后平均开口度为3.37cm。1例11岁患儿术后面部畸形得到改善。结论：保留颞下颌关节盘正常结构在防止外伤性颞下颌关节强直手术后复发以及生长发育期患者面部畸形中具有重要作用。     

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.     

Clinical investigation of early post-traumatic temporomandibular joint ankylosis and the role of repositioning discs in treatment

This study investigated the development of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis after condylar fracture and the functional results of surgery that included repositioning of the articular discs. In a total of 18 patients, there were 13 cases of fibrous ankylosis (type I) and 11 of partial bony ankylosis (type II). CT scans for both groups and MRI scans for type I patients were analysed. Intraoperative inspection of the damaged disc, the sites of adhesion or bony fusion, and remaining intra-articular movement was recorded. After release arthroplasty and repositioning of discs, follow-up was for 1 to 3.5 years (mean 2.2 years). Post-traumatic TMJ ankylosis was highly associated with sagittal and comminuted condylar fractures. Type I ankylosis usually formed in the 4th to 5th month post-trauma with mean interincisal opening distance of 18.3+/-5.5mm. Progression from type I to II ankylosis occurred 1 year post-trauma and caused a reduction of 5mm in the range of mouth opening. The disc was displaced for each of the involved joints, and intra-articular adhesions or ossification initiated at the site where there was no intervening disc present. After surgical repositioning of the disc, stable joint function and mouth opening from 30 to 45 mm were obtained in all patients but one (recurrence due to dislocation). Sagittal and comminuted condylar fractures predispose the TMJ to ankylosis, and the displacement of the articular disc plays a critical role. Early surgical intervention to reposition the disc was successful for early trauma-induced TMJ ankylosis.     

Treatment modalities of TMJ ankylosis: experience in Delta Nile,Egypt

The study reports the authors’ experience in managing TMJ ankylosis in Delta Nile, Egypt (1995–2006) and compares the surgical modalities used. 101 patients (109 joints) were reviewed in this retrospective study. Pre- and postoperative assessment included history, radiological and physical examination, and mouth opening. Age, sex, aetiology, joint(s) affected, surgical modality, complications and follow up periods were evaluated. Various types (fibrous, fibro-osseous and bony) of TMJ ankylosis were diagnosed; trauma was the commonest aetiology. The patients’ age range was 2–41 years, 62% were female, and the follow up period ranged from 14 to 96 months. Average mouth opening was significantly increased from 5.3 mm pre-operatively to 32.9 mm 12 months postoperatively (P = 0.0001). Marked improvement in mouth opening was documented when the ramus-joint complex was reconstructed using distraction osteogenesis (34.7 mm), costochondral graft (34.4 mm) and Surgibone (34.6 mm). Gap arthroplasty showed least satisfactory mouth opening compared with other techniques (P = 0.001). Minor and major complications were encountered in 33% of cases, including 5% 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 successful for managing TMJ ankylosis.     

Potential role of disc repositioning in preventing postsurgical recurrence of traumatogenic temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a retrospective review of 17 consecutive cases

The potential role of disc repositioning in preventing postsurgical recurrence of traumatogenic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis was investigated. Seventeen cases of traumatogenic TMJ ankylosis underwent disc repositioning during arthroplasty. During surgery, the dislocated disc was carefully dissected outside the ankylotic TMJ and repositioned over the top of the condylar stump, and then sutured to the soft tissue of the zygomatic root. In the 22 ankylotic TMJs of the 17 patients, dislocated discs were found in front of the ankylotic TMJ, behind the ankylotic TMJ or between the ramus and fossa. At the last follow-up (longer than 1 year) examination, interincisal opening distances ranged from 24 to 43 mm (mean 32.86 mm). No recurrence and TMJ symptoms were found during the period of follow-up. Disc repositioning in the treatment of traumatogenic TMJ ankylosis proves to be a feasible and effective method of preventing recurrence of this condition.     

Grafts of autogenous coronoid process to reconstruct the mandibular condyle in children with unilateral ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint: long-term effects on mandibular growth

Injury to the mandibular condyle in children usually leads to malocclusion and disharmony of facial growth. Our aim was to study the facial growth after reconstruction of the mandibular condyle using autogenous coronoid process grafts in children with unilateral ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We followed up 10 growing patients with unilateral bony ankylosis of the TMJ who had been admitted to the West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University (Chengdu, China) between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012. There were three boys and seven girls, age range 5–12 years at the time of operation. In each case, patients were treated by gap arthroplasty, reconstruction of the condyle with an ipsilateral coronoid process, and interposition of the pedicled temporalis fascial flap during one operation. The mean (range) postoperative follow up was 4.73 (3–6) years. Postoperative panoramic radiographs were taken, and the growth of the mandibular height and length on the affected side was measured and compared with the healthy side. All patients had an uneventful, normal recovery. The mean (range) maximal mouth opening at the end of follow up was 35.6 (32–41) mm. Both the height of the ramus and the length of the mandible continued to grow after successful treatment of the ankylosis (using autogenous coronoid process grafts for reconstruction of the condyle) but the deficit in growth was not completely made up. The final height of the ramus on the affected side (at the end of follow up) had increased by 25% (p = 0.012) and the final length of the mandible on the affected side by 26% (p = 0.010) compared with immediately after operation. For comparison of the rate of growth, the increased height of the ramus of the affected side was 47% lower (p = 0.003), while the increased length of the mandible on the affected side was 27% shorter (p = 0.008) compared with the healthy side. The mandible on the affected side continued to grow after successful treatment of the ankylosis, but the growth deficit was not made up completely. The rate of growth of the affected mandible seemed to be less than on the undisturbed side even after treatment of the ankylosis.     

Long-term evaluation of the stability of reconstructed condyles by transport distraction osteogenesis

This retrospective longitudinal study evaluated the long-term stability of reconstructed condyles by transport distraction osteogenesis of the mandibular ramus in patients with unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. 7 patients were followed up for 16–92 months (mean 39.4 months). The mean age of the patients at the time of distraction was 22.9 years (range 7–44 years). Maximal mouth opening and panoramic radiographs were recorded preoperatively, at the time of device removal and several years after removal of distraction device. At follow-up, cone beam CT images of the TMJ were obtained to confirm the changes of the reconstructed condyle. Absolute height (Co–Inc) and relative height (Co–Inc/Co–Go) of the reconstructed condyle and the asymmetric difference ratio (AR) were examined to assess the changes of condylar height and mandibular symmetry. The mean maximal mouth opening was stable during the period of follow-up. The mean absolute height and relative height of the reconstructed condyle decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Although no significant difference was found, the mandibular asymmetry difference ratio increased by 16.7%. These results suggested that the heights of reconstructed condyles were not stable in the long-term, and the mandible tended to be asymmetrical.     

Gap arthroplasty of temporomandibular joint ankylosis by transoral access: a case series

This article describes a technique of gap arthroplasty in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis performed by transoral access. The treatment of TMJ ankylosis by creating an adequate gap is of paramount importance in preventing any future recurrence and this can be achieved only when good access is gained to this complex anatomical joint. Five patients with TMJ ankylosis (eight TMJ) were treated by gap arthroplasty using an intraoral approach. The average mouth opening before surgery was 8.6 mm and the average mouth opening achieved postsurgery was 37.9 mm. The average follow-up time was 13 months and none of the patients had any recurrence or significant complications during or after surgery. Our technique relies on the use of a stable landmark to trace the superior-most extent of the ankylotic mass thereby facilitating the removal of the entire mass including the medial extent. We found that even though transoral access is technically challenging and took an average time of 84 min, it has many advantages over conventional extraoral approaches in terms of facial scars and facial nerve injury. The authors also emphasize the importance of good postoperative physiotherapy and presurgical patient counselling to prevent future recurrences.     

自体冠突移植在颞下颌关节强直关节重建术中的应用

目的：探讨自体冠突移植在颞下颌关节强直关节重建术中的应用及效果。方法：对2008年9月—2010年9月期间收治的9例颞下颌关节强直患者应用自体冠突移植关节重建术式治疗,间隙插补物采用自体关节盘或口腔生物膜,比较术前、术后开口度、咬合情况和锥形束CT检查结果。结果：术后随访12～24个月,术后最大开口度得到明显改善,咬合关系无改变,在随访期内, 所有患者无复发。锥形束CT显示,移植冠突与下颌支骨性愈合,移植的冠突顶端变圆钝,向髁突形态转变。结论：自体冠突移植关节重建术是治疗颞下颌关节强直的有效术式。     

创伤性颞下颌关节强直的病程特点与分类治疗

目的调查创伤性颞下颌关节强直（TMJA）的髁突骨折类型及病程特点；探讨各分类治疗方法及疗效。方法31例42侧创伤性TMJA，按Sawhney分类分成4型。Ⅰ型和Ⅱ型强直分别行关节松解和融合骨切除术＋关节盘复位术；Ⅲ型和Ⅳ型强直分别行全关节切除和全关节扩大切除术＋颞肌筋膜瓣衬垫术、选择性下颌支后缘垂直骨牵引及颏成形术。术后复查9～54个月（平均30个月），评价治疗效果。回顾调查引起强直的髁突骨折类型和强直发生的过程。手术与CT及MRI对照观察早期骨化部位、关节盘移位和关节残余运动方式。结果创伤性TMJA均继发于髁突矢状和粉碎性骨折，且关节盘发生移位者。I型（纤维性）强直通常出现在伤后4～5个月，平均张口度18．3mm。术中探及的关节盘全部发生移位，早期强直骨化发生在无关节盘区域。随诊期内，2例（6．45％）复发，其他患者张口度均稳定维持在30mm以上。结论髁突矢状和粉碎性骨折是最容易导致关节强直的骨折类型。关节盘移位是强直形成的重要因素。早期手术可以复位关节盘，避免后期强直时必须切除全关节。     

Spatial deviations of the temporomandibular joint after oncological mandibular reconstruction

Spatial deviations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after oncological mandibular reconstruction are important to the aesthetic and functional rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to clarify whether and how three dimensionally (3D) printed patient-specific surgical plates, and the preservation of the condyle or ramus, affect spatial deviations of the TMJ. A total of 33 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction via computer-assisted surgery were included. Regarding absolute deviations, patients in the 3D-printed plate group showed smaller TMJ deviations compared to those in the conventional plate group. There was no difference in absolute deviations of the TMJ regardless of whether the condyle or ramus was preserved. Regarding physiological deviations, the impact on the contralateral TMJ was smaller in the 3D-printed plate group. Patients with both the condyle and ramus removed had significantly higher deviations of the condyle and joint space. In summary, 3D-printed patient-specific surgical plates improved the spatial accuracy of the TMJ. Under physiological conditions, TMJ deviations on the operated side were mainly affected by the preservation of the condyle. Removal of both the condyle and ramus caused more severe spatial interference to the TMJ; this should be further confirmed.     

Hydroxyapatite/collagen block with platelet rich plasma in temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a pilot study in children and adolescents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using preshaped hydroxyapatite/collagen condyles as carriers for platelet-rich plasma after gap arthroplasty in patients with temporomandibular ankylosis, to assess the aesthetic and functional outcomes, and to find out if neocondylar regeneration was possible. We studied 19 patients with temporomandibular joint ankylosis (25 joints), in whom preshaped hydroxyapatite/collagen condyles with platelet-rich plasma were fixed to the ramus with a titanium miniplate, and temporal fascia was placed in between. We evaluated the type of ankylosis, mouth opening before and after operation, deviation on mouth opening, lateral excursion, protrusion, postoperative anterior open bite, radiographic assessment, and complications. All patients showed appreciable improvements in mouth opening and excursion of the jaw. There were a few complications such as mild fever, and temporary involvement of the facial nerve, which improved with time. No open bite or recurrence was reported during the 18 months’ follow up. Radiographic evaluation at 3 months showed a less opaque condyle, but the opacity at 18 months was more defined, suggesting a newly formed condyle. A preshaped hydroxyapatite/collagen condyle with platelet-rich plasma improves both aesthetics and function. However, a long term study is required to follow the growth patterns to see if the patients develop any facial deformity as they grow.     

Effects of soft tissue injury to the temporomandibular joint: report of 8 cases

Our aim was to describe the effects of soft tissue injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), to analyse possible reasons for it, and to evaluate the results of treatment. Eight patients (12 joints) who developed disorders of the TMJ after trauma to the mandible without fracture of the condyle were treated in our department from 2009 to 2010. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) were used to check the condition of the joint. Five patients had their joints explored to relieve pain and improve mouth opening. MRI showed all 12 joints had displaced discs. CT showed that the surface of the condylar bone was “intact” immediately after injury but destroyed later in 8 joints. Exploration showed fibrous ankylosis in 5, osteoarthritis with intra-articular adhesions in 2, and internal derangement in 1. Four were treated by costochondral graft (CCG) with 7 symptomatic joints. The disc was repositioned in 1 case with 1 affected joint. The mean maximal incision opening at follow-up were significantly better than the one before treatment (mean 34 compared with 23 mm, p = 0.02). Pain in the TMJ was relieved by operation in all patients so treated. The other 3 patients (4 joints) had no treatment because their symptoms were minor and mouth opening was not restricted. Soft tissue injuries of the TMJ can potentially lead to internal derangement, osteoarthrosis, and possibly fibrous ankylosis, which should be considered during follow-up. Displacement of the disc and damage to the condylar cartilage seem to be the causes of these complications. Surgical management is effective in the short term.     

无髁突骨折颞下颌关节急性创伤后的变化:影像学和手术所见

目的:通过CT、MRI及手术探查观察无髁突骨折颞下颌关节急性创伤后的变化,为该疾患的早期诊治提供依据。方法:上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医院口腔颌面外科关节组2009—2010年收治的无髁突骨折颞下颌关节急性创伤患者7例11侧关节纳入研究。所有患者伤前均无关节症状,但在伤后出现长时间的关节区疼痛和开口受限,其中6例合并面部骨折,曾在其他医院或由其他医师手术治疗。所有患者均进行了关节区的MRI检查,对受伤后即刻和再次就诊的CT进行比较。所有病例进行了手术探查,术中所见进一步证实影像学的变化。结果:CT显示,87.5%(7/8)的髁突在受伤即刻表面骨质"完好",而伤后1个月至1a出现骨质破坏。伤后1个月至1a的MRI检查显示,所有11侧关节均出现盘前移位,90.9%(10/11)的髁突伴骨质破坏。手术探查显示,2侧关节出现骨性黏连,3侧关节髁突表面骨质破坏与关节窝纤维性黏连,5侧关节髁突表面软骨变性伴黏连,1侧关节髁突表面软骨无明显破坏,关节盘前移位但形态尚可。结论:无髁突骨折的颞下颌关节急性创伤如伴关节盘前移位,可导致骨关节病和(或)关节强直。     

正颌外科技术治疗TMJ后OSAS(英文)

目的 评估正颌外科技术矫治14例颞颌关节强直所致OSAS的效果。方法 手术采用患侧关节成形,下颌升支、体部的“L”形半层截骨及健侧矢状截骨术,将患侧下颌升支加高固定,下颌前部整体前移。结果14例颞颌关节强直伴OSAS患者术后张口度达2.5～3.5cm,术后2年随访张口度仍维持在2.5～3.2cm之间。所有患者的AHI指数下降了20以上,12例患者的打鼾症状消失,持续血氧饱和度平均提高了18.45％（P<0.01）,达到了正常人的范围,持续血氧饱和度最低值由术前的58％提高至术后的95％以上,OSAS得以治愈。结论 颞颌关节强直伴OSAS患者通过正颌外科手术可以在关节成形的同时,解决患者下颌后缩的缺陷,解除上气道狭窄,从而缓解或纠正患者的低氧血症。     

Condyle-preserved arthroplasty versus costochondral grafting in paediatric temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a retrospective investigation

We aimed to evaluate results of condyle-preserved arthroplasty and costochondral grafting in growing children with temporomandibular joint ankylosis through medium-term follow-up and three-dimensional metric analysis. We assessed 11 patients (14 sides) with type II ankylosis (group A) and 11 patients (13 sides) with type III/IV (group B) from January 2012 to December 2015. Group A patients received condyle-preserved arthroplasty and group B patients received costochondral grafting. Postoperative computed tomography was used to measure condylar height, condylar width, mandibular ramus height and mandibular body length. Changes in maximum mouth opening were evaluated >1 year postoperatively.Postoperative follow-up showed similar average maximum mouth opening and one case of recurrence in each group. Computed tomography measurements showed that condylar width and mandibular ramus height increased in both groups A and B (P < 0.05). Moreover, in group A, condylar angulation of medially displaced malformation decreased by 13.2° (P < 0.05), and mandibular body length increased by 5.7 mm (P < 0.05). Thus, both condyle-preserved arthroplasty and costochondral grafting were effective surgical methods for treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Moreover, compared with group B, group A patients manifested more remarkable mandibular growth, at least in the anteroposterior direction of the mandibular body.     

脱位性髁突矢状骨折手术治疗的近期疗效观察

目的总结脱位性髁突矢状骨折（DSFMC）的手术治疗经验。方法将22例28侧DSFMC分型,总结各类型DSFMC的手术治疗方法,并对术前及术后6个月患者的咬合关系、最大张口度、张口偏斜、髁突术后形态等进行观察比较。结果①DSFMC以Ⅱ型骨折最多,占57%;其次为Ⅲ型骨折和Ⅰ型骨折,分别占25%和18%。②5侧Ⅰ型骨折均行骨折片摘除术;16侧Ⅱ型骨折中,9侧行骨折片游离再植加微型接骨板坚固内固定术,5侧行骨折片摘除,2侧切除髁突;Ⅲ型骨折中有5侧行骨折片游离再植加微型接骨板坚固内固定术,2侧行摘除骨碎片,修整髁突残端。③22例患者术后6个月平均张口度为33.9 mm,平均张口偏斜1.5 mm,均比术前明显改善（P<0.05）。术后6个月咬合关系完全恢复正常17例,5例术后仍有1~2 mm的前牙开!,经调!后,咬合关系恢复良好。④术后再植髁突未见明显吸收,微型接骨板无明显变形。结论DSFMC手术治疗可以取得较好的效果,张口度、张口型均较术前明显改善,咬合关系恢复良好,再植髁突无明显吸收。