ABSTRACT
Objective of this study was to highlight the frequency and management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis. One hundred and forty patients visiting the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ayub Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad were included in this study. It was conducted from year 2000 to 2012. Frequency of patients was noted and interpositional gap arthroplasty was conducted on each one. Males were 90/140 [64.3%] and females 50/140 [35.7%]. Causes of ankylosis were birth trauma 7[5%], falls from roofs 39[27.9%], falls from trees 61[43.6%], infection 3[2.1%] and road traffic accident 30[21.4%]. Post operative mouth opening at one year follow-up was normal in 112[80%] patients and restricted in 28[20%]. Falls from roofs and trees were common causes of temporomandibular joint ankylosis in this region and most of the patients were males with unilateral presentation. Interpositional Gap Arthroplasty was found highly effective and safe surgical management option for temporomandibular joint with acceptable immediate and long term outcome, particularly when temporalis fascia or muscle and iliac crest grafts were used for adults and costochondral grafts with fascia interposition used for children