Reconstruction of temporomandibular joint ankylosis with temporalis myofascial flap in a cat: a case report

An approximately 7-year-old 1.7kg, female Siamese cat with a history of a malocclusion and an inability to open its mouth was referred the Animal Medical Center, Chonbuk National University. The cat had shown signs since it was adopted four years earlier but the cause was not determined. The mandible was deviated 2 mm to left, the mouth could be opened only 2 mm and attempts to open the jaws caused considerable pain. Radiographs indicated new bone formation and a loss of joint space in the right temporomandibular joint(TMJ). 3-dimensional CT showed bony fusion and bone thickness in the right TMJ. The physical, 3-dimensional CT and radiographic examinations revealed right TMJ ankylosis. Under general anesthesia, surgical treatment was performed to remove the ankylosis block with subsequent interpositional arthroplasty using a temporalis myofascial flap. The patient showed distinct improvement in both the articular functionality and clinical signs.