Treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis with temporalis muscle and fascia flap.

This study sought to determine the efficacy of interpositional arthroplasty with temporalis muscle and fascia flap in the treatment of unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis in adults. This retrospective study of seven cases evaluated the postoperative results of interpositional arthroplasty on temporalis muscle and fascia flap in adults. The operative protocol for unilateral TMJ ankylosis entailed, (1) resection of ankylotic mass, (2) intraoral ipsilateral coronoidectomy, (3) contralateral coronoidectomy when necessary, (4) interpositional tissue transfer to the TMJ with temporalis muscle and fascia flap, (5) maxillomandibular fixation (MMF), and (6) early mobilization and aggressive physiotherapy. The results of this protocol were encouraging, while the functional results of interpositional arthroplasty on temporalis muscle and fascia flap were satisfactory. The findings of this study support the use of temporalis muscle and fascia flap in adult patients with unilateral TMJ ankylosis. Early postoperative initial exercise, physiotherapy, and strict follow-up play an important role in preventing postoperative adhesions.     

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。     

Treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis: gap and interpositional arthroplasty with temporalis muscle flap

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of gap and interpositional arthroplasty with temporalis muscle flap in the treatment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study was evaluated on 34 patients who were treated from February 2003 to July 2007. Diagnosis of TMJ ankylosis was based upon the clinical examination and plain radiography and CT scan. Eight patients (23.5%) had bilateral TMJ ankylosis, and four patients had reankylosis (that had been operated in another center). Trauma was the most etiological factor (88.2%) and osteochondroma of the condyle in one patient caused ankylosis.

Results

Means of maximum mouth opening before and after operation were 5.00 (SD) 3.45 mm and 32.85 (SD) 5.51 mm, respectively. Reankylosis in two patients (5.9%) and facial nerve dysfunction in 12 surgery sides (28.5%) were noted.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that the gap arthroplasty with temporalis muscle flap as interpositional graft is an effective method in the treatment of TMJ ankylosis. The osteoarthrectomy of the callus to create at least 10 mm gap and enough bulk of temporalis muscle flap as interpositional graft followed by at least a 6-month physiotherapy which play an important role in prevention of reankylosis.     

The role of a temporalis fascia and muscle flap in temporomandibular joint surgery

Temporalis fascia, with a varying thickness of temporalis muscle, may be harvested as an axial flap based on the middle and deep temporal arteries and veins. The dependable blood supply, the proximity to the temporomandibular joint, and the ability to alter the arc of rotation by basing the flap inferiorly or posteriorly make this a versatile flap for lining the temporomandibular joint. In this report, the anatomy is reviewed, the harvesting technique is described, and multiple uses of the temporalis muscle-fascia flap in temporomandibular joint surgery are described.     

Report of ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint: treatment with a temporalis muscle flap and augmentation genioplasty

A case of true bilateral ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is presented. A 19-year-old male patient had a life-threatening ear infection at the age of ten resulting in a progressive restriction of his mouth opening. He presented with almost complete lack of mobility of the mandible. Surgical treatment was a resection of the ankylotic mass, interpositional temporalis composite muscle flaps, and early mobilization and aggressive physiotherapy. The functional results of the interpositional arthroplasty were excellent. After a two-year follow up, an augmentation genioplasty was performed in order to improve facial aesthetics.     

Random control trial of dermis-fat graft and interposition of temporalis fascia in the management of temporomandibular ankylosis in children

Temporomandibular ankylosis is a disabling condition that affects hygiene and cosmetic appearance. Several interpositional grafts such as meniscus, muscle, fascia, skin, cartilage, fat, dura, alloplastic materials and xenografts have been used to prevent recurrence of ankylosis. We studied the advantages and disadvantages of dermis fat graft as an interposition material after arthroplasty and compared it with temporalis fascia interposition. Seventeen patients with temporomandibular ankylosis involving 20 joints were randomly divided into two groups; the first group had operations for interposition of dermis-fat graft that was taken from the groin. Patients in control group had operations to interpose temporalis fascia and muscle from the same surgical site. All were assessed by age, sex, etiology, clinical features and post surgical complications. The groups were matched in age and the male: female ratio was 0.89:1.The median duration of ankylosis was 7.3 (range 2-11) years. Postoperative and follow up interincisal mouth opening was satisfactory with good healing of the dermis-fat graft donor site. We conclude that the use of dermis fat grafts has minimal donor site morbidity, and is a safe and effective interposition material to prevent the recurrence of temporomandibular ankylosis.     

Suture of temporalis fascia and muscle flaps in temporomandibular joint surgery

This technical note illustrates a simple and effective technique of suturing the interpositional temporalis fascia and muscle flaps in temporomandibular joint surgery.     

Composite temporalis pedicle flap as an interpositional graft in temporomandibular joint arthroplasty: a preliminary report

Fifteen temporomandibular joint patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively to evaluate the effectiveness of a composite (fascia, muscle and periosteum) temporalis pedicle flap as an interpositional disc replacement. A modified Craniomandibular Index (CMI) and Symptom Severity Index (SSI) were used to assess clinical and subjective symptoms. Eighteen months postoperatively there was a significant reduction in the CM and SS indices (P less than .001), with significant clinical improvement of the mandibular range of motion (P less than .05). However, a significant reduction of translation (P less than .01) was evident indicating that the increased mandibular opening was owing to a compensatory rotational movement. This study indicates that the composite temporalis pedicle flap is a good autogenous tissue for the reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint.     

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。     

The use of temporalis muscle graft,fresh and cryopreserved amniotic membrane in preventing temporomandibular joint ankylosis after discectomy in rabbits

PurposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of temporalis muscle-fascia graft, fresh and cryopreserved human amniotic membrane as an interpositional material in preventing temporomandibular joint ankylosis in a rabbit model.Materials and methodsIn this experimental study, 21 New Zealand white rabbits were used. The condyle and the joint disc were removed to induce ankylosis in left TMJs. Reconstruction was immediately performed with temporalis muscle-fascia graft (tMFG) in group I (n = 7), fresh human amniotic membrane (fHAM) in group II (n = 7) and cryopreserved human amniotic membrane (cHAM) in group III (n = 7). All rabbits were sacrificed at 3 months after the operation. The comparison was made among three groups by means of vertical mouth opening and weight measurements, radiologic and histologic findings obtained before and after surgery.ResultsIn all rabbits, there was no statistically significant difference in the jaw movements and weight among groups at commencement and 3 months after surgery. The condylar surfaces were more irregular in HAM groups. There were mild osteophyte formations, sclerosis, fibrosis and calcification around the condyle in all groups however the joint gap was more preserved in group I. All interpositional materials were also seen to be partially present in the joint gap at 3 months. Ankylosis was not seen in the joint gap in any group.ConclusionWith the results of this study it was concluded that interpositional arthroplasty with HAM and tMFG have an almost similar effect in preventing TMJ ankylosis after discectomy in the rabbit model.     

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.     

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.     

Overgrowth of a costochondral graft in a case of temporomandibular joint ankylosis

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involves fusion of the mandibular condyle to the base of the skull. When it occurs in a child, it can have devastating effects on the future growth and development of the jaws and teeth. Furthermore, in many cases, it has a profoundly negative influence on the psychosocial development of the patient because of the obvious facial deformity. Reconstruction of the mandibular condyle with costochondral grafts(CCGs) in children may result in overgrowth at the reconstructed side of the mandible. The growth pattern of the CCG is extremely unpredictable, and mandibular overgrowth on the grafted site can actually be more troublesome than the lack of growth. We report the case of a 3-year-old boy with temporomandibular ankylosis, which was treated with a CCG. The mandibular condyles and coronoid were resected unilaterally and immediately reconstructed with autogenous CCGs. He required one further resection because the grafted tissue had overgrown 5 years later.     

Rehabilitating children with temporomandibular joint ankylosis.

Although the probability of ankylosis following injury of the temporomandibular joint is small, patients, especially children with temporomandibular joint ankylosis, are greatly handicapped. Of the 42 cases of ankylosis seen in our clinic, six occurred in the adult, and 36 in children under 14 years of age. Treatment in all cases was surgical, and the results were beneficial, although the greatest difficulty in the treatment had been the early recurrence of ankylosis. Based on our experience, osteoarthrotomy for temporomandibular joint ankylosis in children has been advocated.     

Development of temporomandibular joint ankylosis in rats using stem cells and bone graft

64 male Wistar rats were used: 24 for the removal of stem cells, 4 as a control group, and 36 for the experiment, in which either stem cells or bone graft was used. The rats were divided into groups according to the type of procedure and time span (15, 30 or 60 days). The joints were submitted to histological study in order to score the ankylosis. The mean differences between initial and final maximal mouth opening (MMO) were gradually increased from 15 to 60 days, for all times of evaluation for both groups, being statistically significant at 15 days (p = 0.045) in the bone-graft group. When both groups were compared, the mean differences between initial and final MMO were statistically significant at 15 days (p = 0.018) and 30 days (p = 0.029). In relation to the histological scores, in the bone-graft group almost all animals had intra-articular fibrosis at all times of evaluation (n = 17). In the stem-cell group, there was new bone at 15 days (n = 4), 30 days (n = 3) and 60 days (n = 4). The study model permitted the development of fibrous ankylosis in the majority of animals for both groups and no bony bridge was observed.     

Auricular cartilage graft interposition after temporomandibular joint ankylosis surgery in children.

PURPOSE: After surgery for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, relapse is frequently due to fibrosis and ossification occurring in the space of the joint. The object of this study was to evaluate the use of autogenous auricular cartilage graft as an interposition material after arthroplasty of the TMJ ankylosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven patients with TMJ ankylosis were treated with autologous auricular cartilage graft interposition arthroplasty. With 4 to 6 years of follow-up, the function of the TMJ was evaluated. RESULTS: In 7 patients with TMJ ankylosis treated with autologous auricular cartilage graft interposition arthroplasty, the function of the TMJ recovered well. At 6-year follow-up, no relapse had occurred and no deformities resulted in the ear from which the cartilage had been harvested. CONCLUSION: Autologous auricular cartilage interposition arthroplasty is an ideal method for the prevention of relapse of TMJ ankylosis.     

A woman with ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint

A 56-year-old woman was referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon because of facial stiffness and restricted mouth opening, 13 years after receiving multiple mandible fractures in a car accident. After clinical investigation and computer tomography, ankylosis of the right temporomandibular joint was diagnosed. The patient was treated by means of gap-arthroplasty, in which a myofascial flap of the temporalis muscle was used as an interposition transplant. After a period of physiotherapy, an acceptable recovery of the mouth opening was achieved. Traumatic injury is by far the most prevalent etiology of temporomandibular joint ankylosis, followed by an infection of the temporomandibular joint. Treatment consists basically of a gap-arthroplasty, with or without interposing a transplant between the ramus mandibulae and the joint socket or resection of the ankylotic tissues followed by reconstruction of the mandibular caput with an autologue transplant or an alloplastic material.