Management of bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis in children: case report

Long standing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis may cause severe facial deformity and growth retardation as well as psychological problems when it occurs in children. Different kinds of opinion have been advanced as regards its management. This article discusses the aetiology and management of bilateral TMJ ankylosis in form of a case report in a patient with severe facial deformity, malocclusion and retarded growth following bilateral TMJ ankylosis secondary to trauma. The patient was successfully managed by placement of costochondral grafts and interpositional arthroplasty with partial temporal myofascialflaps. Good mouth opening was achieved and subsequent follow-ups showed improved mandibular and general body growth as well as psychosocial performance. The aim of this paper is to discuss the management challenges posed by bilateral TMJ ankylosis.