Temporomandibular arthroplasty in fibrous ankylosis caused by trauma. Report of two cases

• Published in: Journal of the Japanese Society for the Temporomandibular Joint Vol. 4; no. 1; pp. 80 - 90
• Main Authors: TOYAMA, Masahiko, KURITA, Kenichi, KOMAKI, Kanzi, KAWAI, Tuyoshi, YAMADA, Yutaka, MIYACHI, Hitoshi, HACHIYA, Hiroshi, JINNO, Katumi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Japanese
• Published: The Japanese Society for Temporomandibular Joint 1992; 一般社団法人 日本顎関節学会
• Subjects: complication after facial trauma; fibrous ankylosis of TMJ; traumatic arthritis; 外傷性顎関節炎; 線維性顎関節強直症; 顔面外傷後遺症
• ISSN: 0915-3004; 1884-4308
• DOI: 10.11246/gakukansetsu1989.4.80

Two cases of TMJ fibrous ankylosis caused by trauma were reported. The first case, 45 year-old-woman, was refered for severe bilateral TMJ pain with difficulty in opening the mouth (26mm) over 3 years after facial trauma. Arthrography revealed fibrous adhesion and deformed disks in the capsules of both TMJs. Osteophyte was found on the condyle of the left side. After resection of fibrous tissue, disks, and osteophyte, intensive physical therapy was appied postoperatively for increase in mouth opening range. 4 years after the operation she was able to open her mouth 35mm and eat hard food without disturbance. The second case, 41 year-old-woman, visited our clinic because of gradually decreasing range of the mandibular movement. At the initial visit the maximal opening mouth range was 24mm with severe TMJ pain on the right side. After diagnosis of the fibrous ankylosis by arthrography, fibrous adhesion and the deformed disk were removed with osteophyte on the condyle. Postoperative physical therapy was carried out. The patient could open the mouth 35mm one year after surgery. In conclusion, arthrography was very useful for diagnosis of fibrous adhesion in the capule of the TMJ. Not only resection of the fibrous adhsion with the deformed disk but postoperative physical therapy played a very important role in increase in TMJ movement.