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.     

Versatility of full thickness skin-subcutaneous fat grafts as interpositional material in the management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis

The authors present a review of seven patients (eight joints) with temporomandibular ankylosis treated between 2007 and 2008. The aim of this retrospective study was to present the experience of using full thickness skin-subcutaneous fat grafts, harvested from the patient's abdomen as interpositional material after gap arthroplasty. All patients presented with osseous ankylosis and were graded according to Topazian's classification. Postoperative follow up ranged from 12 to 24 months. Maximal inter-incisal opening (MIO) on presentation ranged from 0 to 8 mm, which stabilized to 27-44 mm at follow up. There was no evidence of re-ankylosis. This study found merit in the use of autogenous full thickness skin-subcutaneous fat graft as an interpositional material for up to 2 years following ankylosis release.     

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.     

Abdominal Dermis-Fat Graft Versus Conventional Temporalis Myofascial Flap Interposition in Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis: A Prospective Clinical Comparative Study

IntroductionTemporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is an extremely disabling condition with almost complete inability to open the jaws causing difficulty in chewing, speech, poor oral hygiene and cosmetic disfigurement. Temporalis myofascial flap still remains the most common interpositional material used; however, patients usually complain of pain during movement, unesthetic bulging in the temporal region and trismus due to scar contracture. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of abdominal dermis-fat graft and compare it with temporalis myofascial flap as to see which of the two grafts offers more advantages and provides better postoperative results following TMJ ankylosis surgery. Materials and MethodsA total of 30 diagnosed cases of TMJ ankylosis were randomly divided into two groups of 15 patients each. All the patients underwent TMJ ankylosis release under general anesthesia followed by abdominal dermis-fat interposition in Group A and temporalis muscle in Group B. The patients were assessed for pre-operative and postoperative mouth opening (immediate and 6 month postoperative), pain during physiotherapy, donor and surgical site complications and recurrence of ankylosis.ResultsThe mean maximum inter-incisal opening in dermis-fat group was significantly higher than temporalis group both at immediate and 6 month postoperative periods (p = 0.041, 0.001). Physiotherapy was less painful in dermis-fat group than in temporalis group, and the differences in VAS scores among the 2 groups showed high statistical significance (p < 0.001). Hypertrophic scar developed at the donor site in 2 patients in dermis-fat group; however, it was located below the beltline and hardly noticeable. A total of 9 patients (4 in Group A and 5 in Group B) developed temporary facial nerve weakness, and no case of re-ankylosis was noted in either group.ConclusionDermis-fat graft in temporomandibular joint ankylosis showed better results than conventional temporalis myofascial flap in terms of postoperative mouth opening, physiotherapy and jaw function with esthetically acceptable results.     

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。     

Lateral Thigh Fascia Lata as Interpositional Graft for Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis

Successful management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis depends on adequate gap arthroplasty and interpositional graft; the objective is to produce a functioning pseudoarthrosis that prevents reankylosis and provides adequate mobility. Several interpositional grafts have been used for the treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis such as indigenous pterygomasseteric sling, temporalis muscle/fascia, auricular cartilage, fat and dermis-fat. Lateral thigh fascia lata (LTFL) graft is commonly used in neurosurgical practice and in other surgical specialities. We present a case of lateral thigh fascia lata used as interpositional graft for the treatment of a unilateral fibrous temporomandibular joint ankylosis.     

Treatment of TMJ ankylosis in Jordanian children - a comparison of two surgical techniques.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to report Jordanian experience in surgical treatment of TMJ ankylosis in 22 children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective clinical study included children who were diagnosed with TMJ ankylosis and were treated in a dental teaching centre between 1993 and 2001. Patients underwent the release of 24 temporomandibular joint ankyloses and two different surgical techniques were used: either reconstruction of the condyle using costochondral grafts, or using the temporalis muscle as an interpositional material. Patients were followed up for 1-8 years. RESULTS: Twenty-two children (13 males and 9 females) were included in the study. Costochondral grafts were used as a reconstruction material in 16 TMJs (67%), whilst temporalis muscle was used as an interpositional material in 8 joints (33%). The mean preoperative maximum interincisor distance was 6.6 mm+/-1.3, which was increased to a mean of 30.3 mm+/-2.5 postoperatively. Two female patients (9%) suffered recurrence of the ankylosis within 6-12 months postoperatively. In one of these, a costochondral graft was used and temporalis muscle interposition in the other. CONCLUSION: Costochondral graft as a reconstruction material and temporalis muscle as an interpositional material showed comparable success rates when treating TMJ ankylosis in 22 children.     

Fate of Free Fat Dermis Graft in TMJ Interpositional Gap Arthroplasty: A Long Term MRI Study

Introduction

Free fat dermis graft is a good interpositional material for TMJ gap arthroplasty. Analysing the fate of the graft by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images helps in excellent visualization of both bony and soft tissue anatomy of the operated TMJ joint as well as in assessing the changes in dermis graft which was previously placed.

Purpose of this Study

To investigate the radiological fate of the dermis-fat graft within the TMJ using MRI.

Materials and Methods

Five joints of five patients who had dermis-fat grafts placed in their TMJ following gap arthroplasty were recruited for this study. Each patient had undergone TMJ gap arthroplasty with immediate dermis-fat graft placement. All the patients are then subjected to MRI.

Results

Fat graft was identified in close proximity to the mandibular condyle in all cases, with only three joints demonstrating fat covering the entire articular surface of the mandibular condyle. In the remaining joints the interpositional material found in the MRI defined joint space with mainly grey appearance, suggesting tissue change to other than fat, i.e. scar or granulation tissue.

Conclusion

When free fat dermis graft is placed as interpositional material the graft occupied the entire TM joint and prevented it from recurrent ankylosis. The graft placed aids in normal functioning of the temperomandibular joint without any complications.     

Interpositional arthroplasty using autogenous costal cartilage graft for temporomandibular joint ankylosis in adults

This retrospective study evaluated 11 adult patients with TMJ ankylosis treated by interpositional arthroplasty using autogenous costal cartilage grafts between 1985 and 2003. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. Basic personal data, function of TMJ and complications of operation were recorded. Mouth opening increased during operation by a mean of 25.5mm and postoperatively by a mean of 26.2mm. The procedure failed in one case with recurrent ankylosis. The remaining 10 cases had final opening ranges in excess of 30mm. Complications included one numb lower lip. There were no instances of a facial nerve or internal maxillary artery injury. Consideration is given to the width and level of gap arthroplasty, fixation of the grafts, complications at both donor and recipient sites, postoperative physical therapy, occlusal change, and the need for coronoidectomy. This study demonstrated that autogenous costal cartilage is a suitable material for interpositional arthroplasty in adults. Complications were low. The intraoral approach and the role of postoperative physical therapy appear key elements in the success of this procedure.     

Outcomes of surgical management of TMJ ankylosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTemporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis can be surgically managed by a number of approaches. This systematic review compared the clinical outcomes among various treatment options, i.e., gap arthroplasty (GA), interpositional gap arthroplasty (IGA), reconstruction arthroplasty (RA) and distraction osteogenesis (DO).MethodsPubMed, Ovid, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane central register of controlled trials were searched till April 2018. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies and retrospective studies in subjects with acquired TMJ ankylosis reporting re-ankylosis with a follow-up period of ≥12 months were included.ResultsTwenty-six studies with 1197 subjects were included. The higher recurrence rate was observed with GA compared to both IGA and RA (p < 0.05). Comparable results were obtained with IGA, RA and DO (p > 0.05). Among interpositional materials, alloplastic materials showed higher recurrence rate compared to autogenous materials (p < 0.05). However, for reconstruction, both autogenous grafts and alloplastic prosthetic implants gave similar results (p > 0.05). The highest improvements in MMO (maximum mouth opening) resulted with IGA but the differences regarding post-operative changes in MMO were clinically similar in all other groups.ConclusionIGA with autogenous material and reconstruction using either autogenous grafts or total joint replacement by alloplastic prosthetic implants provide similar clinical outcomes for TMJ ankylosis management.     

A critical review of interpositional grafts following temporomandibular joint discectomy with an overview of the dermis-fat graft

The aim of this critical review is to determine what constitutes an ideal disc replacement material and whether any of the existing materials reported in the literature satisfy the requirements of an effective disc substitute following temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discectomy. Over the last half century a myriad of interpositional materials have been used in the TMJ but nearly all have been less than successful. The disasters that followed the early use of alloplastic interpositional implants in the 1980s prompted the increased use of autogenous grafts in the 1990s. Whilst studies by the author on the use of dermis-fat grafts have been largely positive, there are still concerns that make the dermis-fat graft a less than ideal interpositional material for use in discectomized joint cavities. In reviewing the literature, it is clear that there is still no ideal interpositional material that satisfies all the criteria for replacement of a missing articular disc following TMJ discectomy.     

Modified temporalis anchorage in craniomandibular reankylosis

This study evaluates the long-term outcomes and clinical results of costochondral graft and temporalis muscle flap interpositioning with submandibular anchorage in the management of TMJ re-ankylosis. Thirty-one patients, 9 children and 22 adults, with recurrence of ankylosis after gap arthroplasty, with a mouth opening less than 5 mm were evaluated. The management protocol consisted of resection of the ankylotic mass through an Al-Kayat and Bramley incision; contralateral coronoidectomy in unilateral cases; replacement of the condyle in children by means of a costochondral graft through Risdon's approach and interpositional temporalis muscle flap and submandibular anchorage of the temporalis flap in children and adults. Regular clinical and radiological follow up was done for 6 years during which the average mouth opening of 38 mm was maintained, with good occlusion and proper function. The temporalis muscle flap was seen to be an ideal interpositional material due to its close proximity to the site, good vascular supply, ease of access to the condyle area and minimal risk of nerve damage. Submandibular anchorage of the broad temporalis muscle flap prevents reankylosis by inhibiting flap contraction, and decreases need for rigorous physiotherapy.     

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.     

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.     

Costochondral Graft as Interpositional material for TMJ Ankylosis in Children: A Clinical Study

Abstract

TMJ ankylosis is one of the most disruptive anomaly that affects the masticatory system. The inability to move the mandible has significant functional ramification, such as the inability to eat a normal diet. Additionally, speech is affected, making it difficult for some individuals to communicate and express themselves to others. As there are several biologic and anatomic similarities to the mandibular condyles, autogenous costochondral grafts have been considered to be the most acceptable tissue for temporomandibular joint reconstruction. In addition donor site complications are infrequent and regeneration of the rib usually occurs within a year post operatively in children.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of costochondral grafts to replace the mandibular condyles and to assess the position, growth, overgrowth, function, success, failure and resorption of costochondral grafts.

Materials and Methods

Ten TMJ ankylosis patients were operated in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly. Out of the 10 cases 6 were male patients and 4 female patients in age group of ≤14 years; of which 8 patients were of unilateral TMJ ankylosis and 2 were of bilateral TMJ ankylosis. All ten patients underwent interpositional gap arthroplasty with reconstruction of the condyle by costochondral graft.

Results

All patients with costochondral grafts had improved mandibular symmetry and growth with adequate mouth opening.

Conclusion

This study indicates that using costochondral grafts to reconstruct TMJ ankylosis in children provides a good result.     

The use of dermis grafts after discectomy for internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to review the outcomes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discectomy with autogenous dermis used as an immediate interpositional graft in patients with advanced internal derangement of the TMJ. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five joints in 29 patients who presented with advanced internal derangement of the TMJ with degenerate and irreparable discs were identified and included in the study. All patients underwent a TMJ arthrotomy (including 6 bilateral TMJ procedures) that involved removal of the disc (discectomy) and immediate replacement with autogenous dermis graft. Patients were followed up for an average of 2 years. RESULTS: There was a mean +6.7-mm improvement in maximum interincisal opening, a 66% mean improvement in pain ( P < .001), and a 42% mean improvement in function ( P < .05) after TMJ discectomy with immediate dermis graft replacement. After an average follow-up period of 24.6 months, patients reported good to excellent improvement in their TMJ symptoms in 30 of the 35 joints (85.7%). All patients showed radiologic evidence of varying degrees of condylar remodeling at 6 months or later after surgery. Of the 7 patients who had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed at 6 months or later after surgery, none showed any radiologic evidence of the dermis graft. No clinical evidence of joint sounds such as crepitus was found in 33 of the 35 operated joints. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that TMJ discectomy can have a significant positive effect on the management of patients with advanced internal derangement of the TMJ who fail to respond to less invasive measures such as splint therapy and TMJ arthroscopy. However, the only advantage of dermis grafts over no grafts seems to be that it can minimize or eliminate joint sounds such as crepitus in the discectomized TMJ. In this study, the dermis grafts did not prevent regressive remodeling of the mandibular condyles.     

Surgical correction of temporomandibular joint ankylosis

The correction of temporomandibular joint ankylosis is frequently followed by re-ankylosis, occlusal disturbance and alteration of functional masticatory movements. A multitude of surgical procedures have been devised in an attempt to overcome the complication of re-ankylosis in particular, and to create a functioning pseudoarthrosis where distance between resected bone surfaces and/or interpositional autogenous, homologous or alloplastic material is relied upon to prevent re-ankylosis and facilitate functional joint activity. Success in preventing re-ankylosis is said also to depend on long-term patient compliance in undertaking frequent and usually painful mandibular movement exercises. Achieving a functioning joint often precludes the maintenance of the occlusion and depends on resection of large amounts of bone and the use of alloplastic implants. A surgical technique is presented whereby a minimal gap arthroplasty in the region of the obliterated temporomandibular joint is completed. This minimizes deviation of the mandible to the operated side with the formation of an anterior open bite. Separation of the resected bone surfaces is accomplished using a composite free auricular skin and cartilage graft in order to prevent re-ankylosis as efficaciously as possible, while allowing for the promotion of immediate postoperative mandibular function, continued growth and the construction of a joint similar in broad terms to the pre-existing joint. A two-stage correction of temporomandibular joint ankylosis and concomitant secondary maxillofacial deformity is recommended. The results in 13 patients (17 joints) with a follow-up range of 1.5 to 5.5 years show that in all but one instance (of fibrous re-ankylosis following postoperative joint infection), satisfactory postoperative mandibular function and mouth opening was achieved.     

自体喙突移植重建髁突对儿童颞下颌关节强直患者下颌骨生长的远期影响

目的 儿童期下颌骨髁突受损通常导致错颌畸形和面部生长不协调。本研究目的是评价自体喙突移植重建下颌骨髁突对儿童颞下颌关节强直患者面部生长发育的远期影响。方法 追踪评估2008年1月1日至2016年12月31日期间收治于四川大学华西口腔医院正颌及关节外科的10名单侧颞下颌关节强直的儿童患者,其中包括3名男性和7名女性,于5~12岁期间接受了关节间隙成形术、同侧喙突移植髁突重建术和带蒂颞筋膜瓣置入术。术后追踪3~8年,平均4.9年。术后拍摄曲面断层X线片,测定患侧下颌体长度和下颌支高度的生长量并与健侧相比较。结果 所有患者术后恢复良好,追踪结束时10名患者的最大开口度为32~41 mm,平均35.6 mm。自体喙突移植重建髁突解除强直后下颌支高度和下颌体长度均继续生长,但是依然存在生长不足的现象。与初始数据（术后）相比,患侧下颌支高度（随访结束）增加了25.3%（P<0.05）,患侧下颌体长度增加了26.1%（P<0.05）。对比患侧与健侧的下颌骨生长率,患侧下颌支高度增长量与健侧相比少47.1%（P<0.05）,患侧下颌体长度的增长量与健侧相比少27.2% （P<0.05）。结论 自体喙突移植重建下颌骨髁突治疗儿童颞下颌关节强直后,患侧下颌骨可继续生长,但依然会存在生长不足的现象。在颞下颌关节强直治疗完成后,相比于健侧,患侧的生长率是减小的。     

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。     

Intraoral approach for arthroplasty for correction of TMJ ankylosis

This study evaluates the authors’ technique using the intraoral approach for the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. The technique was used on 16 TMJs in 14 patients with a mean age of 28.5 years; their average postoperative mouth-opening was 33.7 mm. All the patients had Sawhney's type IV TMJ ankylosis except a child with type I. One patient had recurrent ankylosis and was managed using the same intraoral approach again. Average follow-up was 56 months. The protocol consists of interpositional arthroplasty via an intraoral approach and aggressive mouth-opening exercises. An intraoral incision is made over the buccal shelf and the soft tissue of the mandibular ramus reflected. Osteotomy is carried out at the coronoid process and adequate osteotomy is accomplished at the level of the condylar neck. Adequate gap osteotomy at the ankylosed condyle is performed and followed by placement of the interpositional material, such as rib cartilage, masseter, buccal fat pad and costochondral graft. The wound is then closed meticulously. The advantages of this intraoral approach are excellent cosmetic appearance with no facial scar, lower risk of injury to the facial nerve or auriculotemporal nerve and no salivary fistula formation.